According to the Encyclopédie de l'Agora,

[translation]

Santería (the path of saints) combines Catholic and African (Yoruba) rites and has been practiced in Cuba for centuries. The Yoruba sect has its roots in Nigeria and Benin. When the Africans arrived in Cuba, the Catholic Church immediately began baptizing them and instructing them in the basic elements of the religion. The Africans drew parallels between the two religions: the Catholic god of creation, who is surrounded by saints who intercede on behalf of humans, was not unlike the creation god Oludamare and his orishas (secondary deities), who help the faithful find and achieve their destinies. Catholic saints were therefore regarded as manifestations of orishas.

Babalaos (priests) help the Santeros (believers of santería) resolve their health, financial and romantic problems, as well as any difficulties they may have with the law. To protect themselves against disease and evil spells, the Santeros also wear amulets and readily sacrifice pigeons and chickens. Religious holidays are celebrated with dancing, drumming and chanting, and feature different offerings for each ceremony. While the Santeros dance, one of the followers enters into a trance and becomes a medium for his group's orisha; he or she then gives messages and advice to the other participants (n.d.).

During a telephone interview, a professor of anthropology from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, INAH), who has studied African religions in Mexico, indicated that, although there were no specific data on the number of believers in Mexico, most of them are Cubans who migrated to Mexico over the last ten years (23 Feb. 2004). However, the sect is becoming increasingly popular among Mexicans (El Nuevo Herald 29 Sept. 2000; Professor of anthropology 23 Feb. 2004), who adopt its practices to bring about success and good fortune (ibid.). While most believers of santería live in Mexico City, some also reside in the state of Tamaulipas (ibid.).

According to the professor of anthropology, Mexico has recently shown openness to non traditional religions; therefore, believers in santería do not face discrimination (ibid.). However, problems can arise when the sect's practices are confused with satanism (ibid.). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

No information on whether the sect is recognized legally by the authorities could be found among the sources consulted.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

L'Encyclopédie de l'Agora. n.d. "Cuba." http://agora.qc.ca/mot.nsf/Dossiers/Cuba [Accessed 23 Feb. 2004]