A young Cuban woman, a devoted follower of Santeria, has sparked a lively discussion on social media after posting a video on her TikTok account @yansa_teresa_, where she voices her disapproval of the exorbitant fees some Santeria priests charge in the United States for conducting religious rituals. In her video, she condemns these practices as an "abuse" and emphasizes that despite rising expenses, the core values of Santeria should remain rooted in humility and accessibility.
In the video, the woman explains that although she resides in the U.S., she prefers to hold her ceremonies in Cuba, where costs are considerably lower. "The saints I create are not done here in the United States; they're made in Cuba. While many charge $10,000, I don't come close to that amount," she states.
The Santeria practitioner argues that charging such excessive prices goes against the fundamental tenet of Santeria, which should be a practice driven by humility and service. She also sends a direct message to other Santeria priests operating in the U.S.: "Learn that a saint is about humility and can be done with minimal resources. It's true that prices have increased, but not to the extent that justifies these charges."
Impact on the Santeria Community
Her words have resonated with followers and practitioners alike, sparking a debate on how Santeria, a practice with deep spiritual and cultural roots, might be compromised by excessive commercialization. The video has drawn a mix of reactions on TikTok. Some users praised her stance, calling it a necessary reminder of Santeria's essential values. "Absolutely right, spirituality shouldn't be a business," commented one follower.
However, others argue that the high costs also reflect the rising prices of materials and the logistics needed to conduct ceremonies in the U.S. The post highlights the ongoing debate among Santeria practitioners about balancing spirituality with economic realities, especially for those in the Cuban diaspora.
Preserving Santeria's Core Values
While some defend the high prices as a necessity in the American context, others, like this young woman, advocate for maintaining the principles of humility and accessibility that are fundamental to the religion. These reflections remain relevant in a community striving to keep its culture and spirituality alive in an environment where costs and economic dynamics can distort its essence.
Santeria Practices and Economic Challenges
Why are Santeria ceremonies more expensive in the United States?
Santeria ceremonies tend to be more expensive in the U.S. due to higher costs of materials and logistics required to perform these rituals compared to Cuba.
What fundamental values does Santeria emphasize?
Santeria emphasizes values of humility, service, and accessibility, reflecting its spiritual and cultural roots.
How are Santeria practitioners balancing spirituality with economic realities?
Practitioners are debating how to adapt Santeria practices to economic realities while striving to preserve its core values of humility and accessibility, especially within the Cuban diaspora.