In Hialeah, the San Lázaro Shrine has once again become a focal point of faith and devotion with a festival running from December 14 to 18, dedicated to paying special tribute to the miraculous saint. This event, featuring masses, processions, and cultural activities, highlights the spiritual bond Miami's Cuban community shares with San Lázaro, renowned for advocating on behalf of the sick and needy.
More than just a religious observance, this celebration serves as a means to keep alive the religious and cultural traditions cherished by multiple generations of believers. The festival kicked off on Saturday, December 14, with a solemn Holy Mass at 5:00 p.m. On Sunday, December 15, two Holy Masses were held at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by the traditional blessing of pets, an emotional ceremony that gathered faithful accompanied by their beloved animals.
Today, Monday, December 16, activities continue with Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., on the eve of San Lázaro's Day, allowing devotees to honor the saint in a setting of spiritual reflection. At noon, attendees enjoyed a mariachi performance, offering their music as a special tribute to San Lázaro. Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17, the central day of the festival, will feature a special prayer, blessing, and anointing ceremony for the sick from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At 6:00 p.m., devotees will gather for Holy Mass, followed by the anticipated San Lázaro Procession at 8:00 p.m., a deeply devotional moment expected to draw hundreds. The day will conclude with a raffle of saint images at 10:00 p.m., part of the traditions accompanying this celebration. On Wednesday, December 18, the church will remain open during its regular hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing devotees to pay their respects to the saint.
Notably, in consideration of the faithful, the church will remain open overnight from December 16 until midnight on December 17, facilitating the fulfillment of promises and acts of faith. San Lázaro stands as one of the most revered figures in Cuban popular devotion, where his image embodies both Catholic tradition and Santería, merging elements from both beliefs into a unique spiritual expression.
In Catholicism, San Lázaro is recognized as Jesus' friend whom he resurrected after four days in the tomb, embodying hope, miracles, and resurrection. His figure is also linked to compassion for the sick and disadvantaged, making him a protector of the needy and an intercessor in times of illness or suffering.
In Cuban Santería, San Lázaro is associated with Babalú Ayé, the orisha of diseases, health, and mercy. Depicted as an elderly man accompanied by dogs and covered in sores, Babalú Ayé symbolizes overcoming physical and spiritual suffering, invoked for healing and comfort. Every December 17, thousands of devotees, many barefoot or bearing offerings, flock to the National Shrine in Santiago de Las Vegas, Havana, to give thanks for granted miracles or fulfill promises.
This devotion, transcending borders, reflects not only the profound faith of Cubans but also how religious traditions blend with popular culture, giving life to one of the most significant celebrations in the Cuban spiritual calendar.
Understanding San Lázaro and His Cultural Significance
Who is San Lázaro in Catholic tradition?
In Catholic tradition, San Lázaro is known as the friend of Jesus who was resurrected after four days in the tomb, symbolizing hope, miracles, and resurrection.
How is San Lázaro connected to Cuban Santería?
In Cuban Santería, San Lázaro is associated with Babalú Ayé, the orisha of diseases, health, and mercy, symbolizing overcoming suffering and invoked for healing and comfort.
What are the main activities of the San Lázaro festival in Hialeah?
The festival includes masses, processions, cultural performances, pet blessings, and a raffle, all centered around paying tribute to San Lázaro.