Central Havana, Cuba is home to Callejon de Hamel; a short street lined with murals and unusual artwork.  The focus is on Santeria, the combining of Yoruba religion from Africa with Catholicism.

Callejon de Hamel in Havana, Cuba

When the African slave was forced to accept Catholicism he blended the spirits of his religion with the saints of the catholic religion.

Visit video.nationalgeographic.com for an example of this blending.  In the search on the site type santeria.  St. Lazarus, a healer of the sick is blended with Babalu Aye, the spirit of good health.  Santeria does involve sacrifices of healthy animals to keep the spirits happy and fed.  Santeria uses natural healing using herbs and divination through rituals including animal sacrifice, offerings, and altar building; music, dance and possession trance.

We visited Callejon de Hamel and want to show you the artwork there, much of it done by Salvador Gonzales.

Callejon de Hamel

Callejon de Hamel

chapel

Zeb on a grashopper??

Callejon de Hamel

Mural at Callejon de Hamel

You can purchase items from this lady.

Santeria store at Callejon de Hamel

Mom and I used national geographic and wikipedia to verify facts.  You may appreciate the information there also.  Many times you will experience dance performances at Callejon de Hamel.   We did not, but you may.  This is a very colorful street and Cuban experience you won’t want to miss.  Go and enjoy it all.