In a captivating video shared on TikTok last Tuesday, a seasoned Cuban santera, who has been devoted to the Regla de Ocha for over 82 years, captured the audience's attention. The video was posted by the renowned madrina Mari de los Santos, a prominent figure in the Yoruba religion with an impressive following of over 2.5 million on her account @ile_oi.
Identified as Angela, this venerable santera began her spiritual journey in the "1950s" and is revered as a "santera" in Cuban tradition, a title bestowed upon those dedicated to the orisha Yemayá, the goddess of the sea, who is syncretized with the Virgin of Regla.
Angela's Message and Legacy
During the video, Mari de los Santos posed a question to Angela about whether she would undergo the initiation again. Angela’s response was unequivocal: "Why wouldn’t I? Who calls me? Who keeps me here in this plane?" she remarked, crediting her earthly presence to the safeguarding influence of her orisha.
However, Angela's most significant message extended beyond her personal faith to address the current state of the religion. She highlighted issues within Cuban Santería, pointing out that "it’s no secret, everyone knows they are doing many improper things." She expressed concern that elder santeros are often disregarded or silenced by the younger generation.
Preserving Tradition and Guiding the Young
Angela's call to action was clear: elders are the custodians of tradition and must guide the youth. "They have to guide us and occasionally pull our ears because things should be done as they ought to be, not just any which way," she asserted.
Furthermore, Angela emphasized the true purpose of santeros like herself: "We elders are here to teach, not to destroy or live off anyone."
Mari de los Santos echoed the importance of these senior figures for the religious community: "You are the ones who have preserved the religion, and thanks to you, we continue," she stated, addressing the elder santeros.
The Ongoing Discussion on Tradition and Respect
This discussion about generational transmission and respect within Cuban Santería isn't new. Babalawo Lázaro F. Cuesta Valdés has previously warned about the erosion of "essential values in human relationships," evident in the behavior of the youth towards their elders and even among the elders themselves. In January 2020, the Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba urged the denunciation of santeros fabricating divinities for profit.
TikTok has emerged as a modern platform for spreading the Yoruba religion, with Cuban channels like @ile_oi reaching millions globally, sharing rituals, chants, and internal debates with an international audience, thereby enhancing both the tradition's visibility and its internal tensions.
Angela's concluding message, delivered through Mari de los Santos as the video wrapped up, was a heartfelt plea to those newly initiated into the religion: "She asks you to please care for the religion as she and others have done."
Understanding the Challenges and Traditions of Cuban Santería
What is the role of elder santeros in Cuban Santería?
Elder santeros serve as the guardians of tradition, responsible for guiding and educating the younger generation to ensure the religion is practiced correctly.
How is TikTok influencing the Yoruba religion?
TikTok acts as a platform for sharing Yoruba traditions with a global audience, increasing both the visibility of the religion and the discussion of its internal challenges.
Why is there concern about the younger generation of santeros?
There is concern because younger santeros are perceived to be ignoring or silencing the wisdom of elder practitioners, leading to improper practices and a potential loss of traditional values.