Religion

African-derived religions are symbioses of African religious and global culture. Their ceremonies provided social revolutionary inspiration in Jamaica and Haiti and inspired the mythologies behind the patron saint of Cuba, Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (the Virgin of Charity of Cobre). ADRs maintain an orientation to Africa, but their ceremonies celebrate the rich diversity of the African community in the Americas. Even Rastafarianism lays claim to Ethiopia's historical and genetic engagement with the biblical world mythologized in the Kebra Nagast. The faithful in ADR evoke a sense of belonging to their particular community similar to the Jamaican yaad (practice), and a sense of being at home.

Gatherings at Catholic churches provided a "clearing" for displaced Africans to occupy, enabling them to catch glimpses of African religiosity. Devotion to Catholicism was mandated by the Code noir of 1685, which required that slaves be initiated into Christianity. The early meetings of ADR were held in cabildos, later called ile ocha (house of orisha) or casa templo (house temple). Later devotees would point to spirits they served such as Santa Barbara, San Lázaro, and Yemayá.

The patakis (myths) of Africa provided the inspiration that diasporan Africans needed to create a dynamic life that would defy the realities of slave society. The gods of Africa energized lives, inspired celebrations that honored the orishas, and enabled participants to maintain balance and fulfill their purpose in life. Devotees of Candomblé maintained a constant relationship with Africa and organized pilgrimages to Africa. In the early 2000s, followers of African-derived religions serve the spirits and honor their ancestors in colorful enactments of the ceremonies, dances, arts, and rituals of the African diaspora.