Cuban, Mulatto in Cuba

Introduction / History

In Cuba and other countries, the term "mulatto" has been used to describe residents who have an ethnic heritage that includes both African and European descent. They are the result of European slave traders (largely Spanish) trafficking more than 20 distinct African ethnic groups on the island. Mulatto Cubans vary greatly in appearance, displaying a wide variety of skin tones, as well as cultural, religious, and artistic traditions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Mulatto Cubans speak Spanish. It is estimated that nearly 90% of Cuban households live in extreme poverty. Most Cuba's residents work for the state in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Many also rely on side jobs and government subsidies to survive in the collapsing economy and high cost of living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The dominant religion in Cuba is Roman Catholicism. It is often mixed with Santeria, a religion derived from the traditional Yoruba religion of West Africa. Those who practice Santeria believe spirits or deities (known as oricha) can intervene in human affairs and must be appeased with sacrifices and offerings.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mulatto Cubans need to enter the light of Jesus Christ. They need to see and understand that they have been made in the image of God and are not half-breeds or lesser in any way. Their self-respect and dignity needs to come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the spiritual and economic needs of the Mulatto Cubans to be met.
Pray for the truth of the gospel to be embraced by the Mulatto Cubans.
Pray that soon, the Lord will use hundreds of them as his ambassadors to the lost in Cuba and beyond.

Text Source:   Joshua Project