Cuba. St Lazarus

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Description

In "My Americas," Mexican American hosts Roberto Alcaraz and Leticia Vásquez travel into the rich cultural and spiritual life of Latin America in search of their heritage. In this program, Roberto arrives in Havana for the celebration of Saint Lazarus, an event drawing pilgrims to a tiny sanctuary in the nearby town of El Rincón. He discovers how African slaves connected Catholic saints to African deities-Saint Lazarus, for example, with Babalu Aye-to keep their culture alive. He explores African spirituality, sometimes known as Santeria, by meeting with a high priest (or babalao), a performing group specializing in Arará songs and dances, and Afro-Cuban singer, Lazaro Ros. Finally, Roberto takes part in a procession and dances to African drumming, symbolic of the triumph of a people over oppression.