What is the religion practiced in Cuba?
Cuba has approximately 60% Catholics, though few are practicing due to historical tensions with the regime. Santería, an Afro-Cuban religion rooted in slavery, remains practiced by a significant portion of the population.
Majority Catholicism but low practice
Approximately 60% of Cubans declare themselves Catholic, a legacy of Spanish colonization. However, religious practice remains low due to historical tensions between the Catholic Church and the communist regime, which was long hostile to religious institutions.
Santería, a living Afro-Cuban religion
Santería is the country's second religion. This syncretic belief blends Yoruba traditions brought by African slaves with elements of Catholicism. It remains actively practiced, particularly in Afro-descendant communities.
Other religious practices
- Protestantism: various evangelical denominations on the rise
- Judaism: small community concentrated in Havana
- Afro-Cuban religions: Palo Monte, Abakuá
- Non-believers: a significant part of the population declares itself atheist or agnostic