Arará
Arará is an African diasporic religion that developed in Cuba during the late 19th century. It is sometimes regarded as a distinct religion of its own, and at other times as a variant of Santería.
Its origins come from people descended from the Dahomey kingdom of West Africa, and retaining an identity, religion, and culture separate from those of other Afro-Cubans peoples. Although, historically, the Arará people have been staunch defenders of their separate heritage and religion, this distinct identity - while it still persists - has, over time, become increasingly blurred and harder to maintain.
Definitions
Arará is a religion of Dahomean origins.The ethnomusicologist María Teresa Vélez noted that Arará was "closely related" to Santería; although its origins are not Yoruba, it is sometimes considered a branch of Santería rather than a separate system.
The religion is centred in Matanzas although has followers in Las Villas and Oriente. By the start of the 21st century, it was reported to not have any presence in Havana.
Arará exists in at least three subgroups: Arará Magino, Arará Savalú, and Arará Dajomé.
Beliefs
The spirits of Arará are referred to as vodú or foddún. These are believed to communicate with their followers via divination and possession. They are also identified with the orichas of Santería.Practices
Music is a key part of Arará rituals. Although different names have been used for the ritual drums over the years, at the close of the 20th century they were commonly called caja, mula, and cachimbo.At the end of the 20th century, Arará music ensembles typically used two to four drums, an iron bell, and a metal rattle, although historical accounts suggest that older ensembles used four to five drums. These drums are regarded as sacred after they have undergone a particular ceremony.