True faith does not diminish with crises. It is based on deep beliefs, on ideas that do not depend on the scenario, on external factors, but on the people themselves. Such is the devotion that many Cubans—from inside and outside the island—feel for Saint Lazarus.
Old Lazarus, the saint revered by the Catholic Church and syncretized with the Yoruba deity Babalú Ayé, is an object of constant worship in Cuba. But this veneration has a special date marked every December 17, a day on which its devotees renew their faith, ask the saint for themselves and theirs, dedicate offerings to him and fulfill promises they made previously.
No place attracts Cuban believers more on this date than the National Sanctuary of San Lázaro, in the Havana town of El Rincón. Since days before, numerous devotees from all over the island, and also beyond, have been arriving there with candles and flowers, images of the saint, and with his characteristic sackcloth and violet clothing.
There is never a shortage of promise payers. Neither do those who wear chains on their feet, those who crawl on the pavement or walk on their knees, those who carry their dogs, those who implore and cry and put all their faith in the miraculous saint and thank him for answering their concerns.
The Rincón Sanctuary is a melting pot of Cuba, of its mestizo and indomitable faith. Men and women, young people and adults, elderly and children, Catholic believers and also practitioners of Santería, people of mixed beliefs and also “atheists” who are not really atheists, gather year after year at the place, as proof of a cult strongly rooted in Cuban spirituality.
At the same time, religiosity is combined with the profane. The sale of candles and necklaces, prints and statuettes of Saint Lazarus, and also food for pilgrims and visitors in general, is already part of the traditional activity of these days with a high attendance of faithful.
This 2025 has not been the exception. Despite the many shortcomings and the worsening of the crisis, the lack of transportation and the rains that have fallen in recent days in Havana, many have returned to Rincón to show their devotion to the merciful old man, to the beggar of sores, dogs and crutches. And also to ask for health, help, relief and protection in such difficult times.
The photojournalist went there this Tuesday. Otmaro Rodríguezon the eve of the main celebration. Its images confirm the deep-rooted veneration of Cubans for Saint Lazarus, the faith placed in his miraculous intervention. And like many devotees, since OnCuba We also ask the saint for the best for our land and its children, wherever they are.
