Blog Post 4: Experiencing Santería: Spirituality, Music, and Culture at Camp

Cuban music is undeniably shaped by its African roots, and at Dr. Robert Clyne’s Santa Clara, Cuba Now! summer camp, students dive deep into this unique cultural fusion. But it’s not just the music they learn about—it's the spiritual and cultural traditions that have profoundly influenced Cuban art, especially Afro-Cuban religion. One of the most powerful experiences at camp is the opportunity to witness and learn about Santería, an Afro-Cuban religion that blends African Yoruba beliefs with Catholic saints, creating a vibrant, spiritual practice deeply connected to music, dance, and ritual.

A Spiritual Experience Like No Other

Santería rituals are not something most teens experience in their everyday lives, and at the camp, the students were given the rare opportunity to witness these sacred ceremonies firsthand. The rituals of Santería allow followers to connect with their deities, often through a powerful experience known as possession, where the gods “climb” an initiate, temporarily inhabiting their body. For many of the campers, it was their first encounter with something as intense and spiritual as this.

One of the more memorable moments was when some students witnessed the possession process. While some were fascinated and watched in awe as the initiate danced and moved under the influence of the spirit, others found themselves deeply unsettled. In fact, a few participants were so overwhelmed by the experience that they ran out of the room!

“I didn’t understand what was happening,” said Muxi, a camper from China. “It was both scary and fascinating at the same time. I’d never seen anything like it, and I didn’t know what to think about spirits. I was so afraid I literally ran away from the site as fast as I could...”

For many of the campers, especially those from non-religious backgrounds, the experience raised important questions about spirituality and the unseen forces that some people believe connect us to a higher power. This was an eye-opening lesson that transcended the usual classroom setting.

The Spirituality of Music and Culture

The connection between Afro-Cuban religion and music cannot be overstated. In Santería, music plays a critical role in the ceremonies. Drums, chants, and other instruments are used to summon the deities and create a rhythm that guides the spiritual journey. At camp, students didn’t just observe; they participated in learning the music that is essential to these ceremonies. Whether it was learning the rhythms of African-derived sacred music or understanding how these beats are woven into daily life, the campers gained a richer, more complex understanding of Cuban culture.

Despite the initial fear some felt witnessing possession, the experience left everyone with an appreciation for the profound connection between music, spirituality, and identity in Cuban life. The campers learned that spirituality isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a living, breathing part of the culture they were immersed in, one that informs not only religious practices but also the music, the dance, and the spirit of Cuba itself.

A Global Perspective on Religion and Spirituality

The Santería experience provided an invaluable lesson in cultural understanding, offering the students a chance to reflect on their own beliefs and the role spirituality plays in different parts of the world. While some found it difficult to comprehend the idea of spirits taking possession of people, others left with a greater sense of respect and curiosity about practices they had never encountered before.

For teens from more secular backgrounds—such as those from China—the concept of spirits and religious possession was perplexing at first. But over time, the campers realized that the power of belief and the ways people connect to the divine are deeply personal and vary across cultures. The experience challenged their perspectives, making them think critically about spirituality, faith, and human connection.

A Lesson in Courage and Curiosity

For those brave enough to witness the possession firsthand, the experience was nothing short of transformative. It’s not every day that a teenager gets to observe such a powerful moment, one that blends spirituality, music, and cultural history in a way that’s not easily forgotten. And for those who ran away? Well, the camp provided them with a safe space to process the experience, discuss it, and reflect on how such spiritual traditions might shape the future of cultural preservation.

This unique experience, like everything at Santa Clara, Cuba Now!, was about more than just learning—it's about stepping outside comfort zones, facing fears, and gaining a broader understanding of the world around us. It was a lesson in spirituality, in courage, and in the openness to embrace the unfamiliar.