Havana, Cuba – The Cuban government has brought back a celebration that dates back to the island’s colonial period, when owners would let their slaves dance and sing through the streets to mark Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Three Kings.
Playing drums and cowbells to Afro-Cuban beats, costumed dancers wound through the streets of Old Havana, regaling tourists and residents alike.
Some performed on stilts and most wore colors associated with different deities in the Yoruba religion that is the source of Cuba’s santeria rites.
The annual celebration has been going on for 11 year under the auspices of the Casa de Africa, a department of the office of the Historian of Havana, headed by Eusebio Leal.
The artists belong to the professional groups Banrara, Ibeyis, Ibaricu, Raices Profundas and Giganteria.
Casa de Africa official Yobaida Moreira explained to EFE how in colonial times different groups of slaves would start their singing and dancing at different squares throughout the city and make their way to the Plaza de Armas.
Three Kings Day is no longer officially celebrated in Cuba, although many families observe the religious feast in private.
