Il Nuovo Postiglione - US-blockaded Cubans appeal to 'Cachita' for divine intervention

Tough times in Cuba did not mute Tuesday's colorful procession in honor of Our Lady of Charity, although devotees made sure to ask for her assistance.

Trejo clutched a yellow candle and a yellow flower, the signature color of the saint affectionately known as "Cachita."

"I came to make a request for my wife," he told AFP shortly before joining a traditional procession through the city center.

The 34-year-old electrician is no stranger to the economic struggles brought on by a US energy blockade imposed on Cuba since January.

But with his partner preparing to deliver their first child, he worries about raising an infant amid regular blackouts, shortages and a breakdown in essential services.

"We all know what the situation is like...but we have to deal with it" without "abandoning faith," he said.

A portrait of the patron saint floated serenely down the packed streets, accompanied by singing, applause and prayers.

Catholic Cubans walked alongside practitioners of Afro-Cuban religions, many of whom wore yellow and carried sunflowers, while others cradled dolls representing the saint in their arms.

Associated with the goddess Oshun by practitioners of the Yoruba religion of African origin, Cachita enjoys special status on the Caribbean island.

Along with the usual prayers for health and protection, Cubans are appealing to her for a way out of economic hardship and a resolution to disastrous relations with the United States.

- 'Symbol of peace' -

Something else was different this year, too: Cachita was cloaked in white rather than her classic yellow.

"It is a symbol of peace," said Ariel Suarez, secretary of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba.

Across the port on Monday, hundreds of people gathered to honor Our Lady of Regla, the patron saint of Havana Bay syncretized with the Yoruba water goddess Yemaya.

Power had just returned to the neighborhood named after her following a 40-hour blackout.

"Thanks to the Virgin, we have light now, and many are taking the opportunity to cook," beamed Odalys Fernandez, 64.

Jessica Napoles, a 24-year-old doctor, traveled to Regla despite scant transportation due to fuel shortages.

"Health, lots of health, and that the Cuban people get out of this situation," she prayed, performing a ritualistic hand-washing in the sea amid floating flowers and fruit.

Her work has shown her just how hard things are for people with illnesses, with food and medical shortages taking a toll.

"We're all in a bad way, but those who are sick are even worse off," she said.

A.Rastelli--INP