Regla
A district of Havana across the bay, home to the shrine of the Virgin of Regla, who is honoured as Yemaya in Santeria.
Practised and told of here
Best time: Around 7 and 8 September.
Regla is a small port town on the east side of Havana harbour. Its church holds a black Virgin, Our Lady of Regla, patron of sailors. In Santeria (also called Regla de Ocha, the rule of the orisha) she is identified with Yemaya, the mother of waters.
Santeria and Catholicism
Enslaved Yoruba people in Cuba kept their orisha by matching them to Catholic saints. The practice is now a religion in its own right, with priests and priestesses called santeros and santeras, divination and offerings. Regla is also known for another Afro-Cuban tradition, the male Abakua society, whose members include many from the port.
Festival
On 7 September, the eve of the Virgin of Regla, people bring flowers and offerings, with processions in blue and white. The day is also a Santeria festival for Yemaya.
Visiting
A short ferry crosses the harbour. The Museo Municipal de Regla has a collection of Afro-Cuban religious items. Rites in private houses are not for tourists.
A respectful visit to Regla
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Ferry from Havana Cross the bay.
- Church of the Virgin of Regla Visit with quiet manners.
- Regla Municipal Museum Read about local Afro-Cuban tradition.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Regla" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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