Yemayá Temple in Trinidad
Discover the culture of the Cuban santería in the Yemayá Temple, where the Afro-Cuban culture and the identity of Trinidad are reflected.
Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá, Trinidad
© Lyana Fernández
The Yemayá Temple is located a few metres away from the Plaza Mayor Square of Tinidad, in an 18th-century house which catches the attention due to the colour of its blue façade and the sober blacksmith’s shop that protects its walls.
The house is a Santería temple where there is an altar dedicated to the deity of the sea, the image of Yemayá. She is the goddess of the sea represented by a black doll dressed in white and decorated with fish that represent Yemayá’s sons’ eyes.
The historical and cultural importance of this temple lies in the duality of the use as religious temple and house at the same time, reflecting the Afro-Cuban culture and the local identity. As soon as you set foot inside this house you will feel the mixture of cultures and religions from different times, from the slavery times to the spiritism that came from the United States.
According to the story, the temple rose up from an Afro-Aboriginal burial found in the courtyard of the house, made of spherulite stones, axes and fishing tools that belonged to slaves.
In the courtyard nextdoor, take place Carnival activities and the Parrandas, two festivities you should not miss if the are celebrated while you are there.
More information:
Location:
C/ Rubén Martínez Villena,59, Trinidad, Cuba.
Ticket price:
There is no admission price but a donation is usually given.
Interactive map:
Trinidad
What to see:
- Plaza Mayor de Trinidad
- Caridad Parish Church
- Santísima Trinidad Church
- Iglesia de Santa Ana de Trinidad Church
- Casa Templo de Santería Yemayá
- La Casa del Alfarero Potter House
- Cerro de la Vigía Hill
- Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de la Popa Shrine
- Blanco Cay or Ernest Thaelmann Cay
- Los Ingenios Valley or San Luis Valley
- Torre Manaca-Iznaga Tower
- Topes de Collantes
- Salto de Caburní Waterfall
- Parque El Cubano
- Sierra de Escambray Range
- Casa de la Trova House
- Cayo Iguana
Beaches:
Museums:
Sancti Spíritus
What to see:
- Sancti Spíritus
- Bridge of the Yayabo River
- Iglesia Parroquial Mayor Church
- Parque Serafín Sánchez Park
- Biblioteca Provincial Rubén Martínez Villena Library
- Blanco Cay or Ernest Thaelmann Cay
- Caguanes National Park
- Alturas de Banao
Museums:
Other nearby destinations:
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