Religious movement that originated in Cuba.
It combines West African Yoruba beliefs and practices with elements of Roman Catholicism . It includes belief in one supreme being, but worship and rituals centre on orisha s, deities or patron saints (with parallels among the Roman Catholic saints) that combine a force of nature and humanlike characteristics. Practices may include trance dancing, rhythmic drumming, spirit possession, and animal sacrifice. Santería has a considerable following in the U.S., particularly in Florida and in other areas with large African and Hispanic populations. See also Candomblé ; Macumba ; Vodou .