Discover the Centro de las Raíces: A Sacred Stop for Black Travelers in Havana
Imagine a space where culture, healing, and beauty come together. A place created for those of us who carry ancestral memory in our blood, who feel that tug to return—not just to a physical land, but to a deeper version of ourselves. That place exists in the heart of Old Havana, and it’s called Centro de las Raíces.
A Sanctuary Rooted in Afro-Cuban Wisdom
The Centro is not just a cultural center—it’s a living, breathing temple where Afro-Cuban identity is celebrated, honored, and reimagined. Built by the community and for the community, it is a powerful reminder that Black heritage is not a thing of the past—it is alive, evolving, and sacred.
When you walk through the doors, you’ll feel it: a warm calm that embraces you. The scent of herbs and oils. The rhythm of drums that seem to echo from deep within. And faces—Black faces—welcoming you like family.
This space was created for those on a journey of reconnection. Whether you’re exploring your roots for the first time or deepening a lifelong path, this is a place where you can pause, breathe, and remember who you are.
Beauty as a Spiritual Practice
At our salon, hair care is not just an aesthetic service—it’s a ritual. Each curl, each coil is treated with intention. Our expert stylists don’t just style your hair—they help you release, soften, and reclaim. You’re invited to choose a Ritual of Rooting, Identity, Rebirth, or Renewal, each aligned with specific phases of personal growth.
From the moment you sit, you are offered a cup of healing infusion, a moment of stillness, and a reflective prompt to guide your session. Here, beauty becomes a bridge to spiritual clarity and emotional expansion.
This is not self-care as a trend—it’s ancestral care. A return to how our grandmothers loved and nurtured, not just with products, but with presence.
A Cultural Experience That Feels Like Coming Home
You can also explore the roots of Afro-Cuban culture through curated experiences: sacred dances that honor the Orishas, music born in resistance, and traditions kept alive in the rhythm of everyday life. You’ll meet practitioners, storytellers, and elders who carry deep wisdom. They don’t perform for tourists—they open the door to those who come with respect and readiness to receive.
This is not tourism—this is spiritual return.
You’re Not Just Visiting Havana. You’re Reclaiming Something Deeper.
If you’ve ever felt a call you couldn’t quite name… If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror wondering where your story truly began… this space is for you.
Centro de las Raíces is more than a place. It’s an experience. A mirror. A sacred pause.
So come. Let your roots lead you. And let us walk with you as you return—not just to Cuba, but to your power, your story, and your full self.
In Afro-Cuban spirituality, dance is far more than expression—it is invocation, memory, and embodiment. The movements you see during a ritual or performance are not random gestures; they are messages, codes, and living history. When an Orisha is honored through dance, every stomp, spin, and cry becomes a sacred act, rooted in the stories and powers of the African deities that traveled across the ocean in the hearts of the enslaved. To understand these dances is to take a step closer to the soul of Afro-Cuban culture. Today, we focus on three Orishas—Oyá, Elegguá, and Yemayá—and explore the meaning behind their distinct and powerful dance expressions.
Havana is a city built on layers of history, where African heritage is present not just in the people, the music, and the traditions, but in the very fabric of its streets. The footprints of Africa run deep here—hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by those willing to look beyond the postcard images of vintage cars and colonial facades. This is not just a walk through Havana. This is a journey through the African footprints that have shaped its identity, resilience, and culture.
Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and brilliance of Black individuals throughout history. In this celebration of Afro-descendant excellence, we turn our spotlight to Cuba—a land rich in culture, history, and Afro-Cuban influence. This article pays tribute to Afro-Cuban icons whose talent and contributions have transcended borders, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
