Religious Celebrations

Cuba is mainly a Catholic country is estimated that 60 % of the population in Cuba is Catholic , Catholicism is modified and influenced by syncretism

Membership in Protestant churches is estimated at 6% and includes Baptists , Pentecostals witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists , Presbyterians , Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Quakers (Quakers ) , and Luthe

Cuba is home to a variety of syncretic religions of cultural origin in much of Africa . According to a report by the United States Department of State , 2 some sources estimate that 80 % of the population consults with practitioners of religions that have their roots in West Africa, as Santeria or Yoruba . one of the African peoples were imported to Cuba during the sixteenth century and throughout the nineteenth century to work on the sugar plantations . Santeria blends elements of Christianity and belief in West Africa and as such made ​​it possible for slaves retained their traditional beliefs while practicing Catholicism.

La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Our Lady of Charity ) is the Catholic patroness of Cuba and is highly revered by the Cuban people and seen as a symbol of Cuba .

The festivities began to be held in Cuba from the Spanish occupation. Always involved a procession followed by a party , verbena , guateque or fair as the case . The most popular are :Our Lady of Charity of Our Lady of Candelaria and San Juan Bautista .

 
Carnivals are traditional Cuban holiday that has its roots in the celebrations held by Hispanics and their descendants. According to the old tradition of the peninsula , has elements like the costumes, floats, and parades among others. In the capital were held around three days before Lent . From the Midwest to the East its origin is linked to the festivities of the people.

 Carousing and brass bands are other traditional festival that have many points in common with the carnival for the use of floats and changüies . The best known are those of Remedios in the province of Villa Clara and Bejucal in Havana but also held in Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila .

The ceremonial and festive process, according to the various anniversaries, includes various instrumental ensembles , multiple songs and dances , which are an essential part of religious activities . Followed by its importance and dissemination manifestations of palo monte , plow and cross Santeria with Mt. post and cross with spiritualism .

In the religious festivals of Haitian origin is no marked two subgroups. They are the Bande- Rará and parties to praise .