What is santero?

Santero is a term used to refer to a practitioner of Santeria, a syncretic religion that combines elements of Catholicism with traditional African religious beliefs brought to the Americas by slaves. Practitioners of Santeria are known as santeros (male) or santeras (female).

Santeros are highly trained individuals who have a deep knowledge of the Santeria pantheon of Orishas (deities) and perform rituals to communicate with these deities on behalf of their clients. They also perform divination, herbal medicine, and spiritual cleansing for those seeking guidance or help.

Santeros are typically initiated into the religion through a series of ceremonies and rituals overseen by a Babalawo (high priest) or Iyalosha (high priestess). They must adhere to a strict code of ethics and perform their duties with sincerity and dedication.

In addition to their roles as spiritual advisors and healers, santeros are often seen as leaders and pillars of their communities, providing guidance and support to those in need. They play a vital role in preserving and passing on the traditions and teachings of Santeria to future generations.