Saint Lazarus

In Cuba, the festival of Saint Lazarus on December 17 is commemorated by a pilgrimage to the chapel of El Rincón, outside Havana, which houses an icon of the saint.

According to John’s gospel, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and Lazarus in turn is believed to have miraculous powers. For Cubans, it is their sense of spirituality that has sustained them throughout their history, and which gives them solace as they embark on an uncertain future. 

Image Gallery
Ramón Ramírez Rodríguez with his Saint Lazarus statue, El Rincón, Cuba, 2002
Having lost nine babies during pregnancy, Regina Mendieta García gave birth to Jamile. In fulfillment of her promise to Saint Lazarus she walked along the broad avenue to her church in El Rincón with her newborn daughter wearing her protective Idé - a white headscarf - to offer the birthing dress and candles in thanks for granting her wish.
Cementerio Cristóbal Colón, Havana, Cuba
Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Havana, Cuba
Manolo Romero Orozco
Bring flowers of yellow and violet as offerings to Saint Lazarus. Eves Góngora Loreng was brought to the church eight years ago, when the hospital was unable to help her paralysis. In time, she began to recover, and now walks to the church to spend her days by Saint Lazarus's side.

Publication

Cuba on the Verge – An Island in Transition

This anthology showcases the work of 30 leading Cuban and American writers and photographers, and offers an insight into life in Cuba today. The images and essays are linked to central themes, including Afro-Cuban culture, music, architecture, sexuality, Santería, rural life, and the role of Cuban women.

Bulfinch Press, New York
Introduction by William Kennedy
Epilogue by Arthur Miller
220 pp
28 x 31.5 cm
Hardcover with dust jacket
ISBN: 0-8212-2802-1
Publication date: 2003 

© Fazal Sheikh – The texts and images on this website are protected by artist’ s copyright.