Santeros honor their ancestors (called Egun or Egungun) before all else. Every prayer begins by offering thanks and asking for the blessings of those who have come before.
Matanceros love a party, whether it’s a drumming celebration, a party for the children, or just a gathering to wish someone a happy Ocha birthday.
Thrones are created whenever a tambor is offered to an Orisha, a new priest is crowned, or someone is honoring his or her Orishas on the anniversary of the person’s initiation.
Santeria is an oral tradition, so it is critical to its survival that the children are taught well. Children in Matanzas with a particular talent often “attach” themselves to an older Santero or drummer to learn from watching, and then doing.
