Educational Media Reviews Online

Religion in Cuba is like the culture of the Caribbean. It is a mix of the origins of its people, Spanish, Indian, African, and European. Their dogmatic beliefs and rituals are not rooted in any one theology as dramatically demonstrated in The Night of San Lazaro. The title refers to the yearly December pilgrimage Cubans make to the San Lazaro church and shrine. Most come to fulfil a promise for wishes granted during the year and granted by the revered saint and African divinity. The video begins with the nighttime march to the shrine. Some carry gifts and candles as they walk, others up the devotion by crawling on hands and knees, or bellies with their way prepared by swishing branches. Chants of encouragement invoke the names of other Afro/Cuban divinities such as AyeBabalu. The swooning, crying, and excitement lead to the arrival of the pilgrims who all push for entrance. Reminiscent of OZ, order is shouted through squawky speakers, admonishing that San Lazaro does not like such behavior, and that men should keep their shirts on in the church. Once inside now referred to as a temple, gifts are passed through the throngs to the altars. A carnival atmosphere ensues. Women smoke cigars, groups form to sing, long hair is shorn, fights break out, the elderly faint, all signs of a roadside tent revival. More ritual than religious, The Night of San Lazaro is an interesting, but not essential, purchase.