CubanaDanza Repertoire

Yoruba Orisha Dances

Despite efforts by the Spanish colonial authorities to impose Catholicism on the Yoruba slaves taken in great numbers from Nigeria to Cuba, the slaves managed to keep their traditions alive by syncretising their religion Santeria with Catholicism and hiding each Orisha (Yoruba deity) under the disguise of a Catholic saint. For example Chango was worshipped in the form of Santa Barbara, Babalu Aye as San Lazaro.

Each Orisha is associated specific songs, rhythms, and dance. For example: Eleggua, the orisha to open and close the way, is always the first Orisha dance in both performance and ritual settings. He is also the trickster, normally identified by his red and black outfit, although variations within the Yoruba tradition also include an Eleggua who wears the same outfit in white and black.

Female orishas include Yemaya (the owner of the sea) who can be identified by her blue flowing dress, and Oshun (the owner of the rivers) who wears a similar outfit in yellow. Principal male orishas include Chango who wears red and white and is the owner of the sacred bata drums.