Flowers left by followers of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria are seen on the banks of Havana's bay amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Cuba, September 7, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Poultry that are meant to be used in a sacrifice ritual of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria are kept in a cage before a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Yaniel Zamora, a follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, holds a dove meant to be used as sacrifice during a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Emilia Montoya, 79, a follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, poses for a photo before a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Followers of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria pray for the spirits during a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Emilia Montoya, 79, a follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, sits before a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria Henry Rodriguez spits rum over Emilia Montoya during a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria holds a dove meant to be used as sacrifice during a ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Jose Zamora, 8, has a dove rubbed over his body during the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria ceremony amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2020. Picture taken on March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A woman dressed in white in accordance with the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria takes a pause during the procession to honor the Virgin of Regla, the country's patron saint, in Havana, Cuba September 7, 2019. REUTERS/Fernando Medina TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

REFILE - CORRECTING THE IDENTITY OF THE VIRGIN HONORED Followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion, one of them holding a doll, which symbolizes the African sea goddess Yemaya, during the procession to honor the Virgin of Regla, the country's patron saint, in Havana, Cuba September 7, 2019. REUTERS/Fernando Medina 

REFILE - CORRECTING THE IDENTITY OF THE VIRGIN HONORED A follower of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion holds a doll, which symbolizes the African sea goddess Yemaya, during the procession to honor the Virgin of Regla, the country's patron saint, in Havana, Cuba September 7, 2019. REUTERS/Fernando Medina 

Followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion prepare birds to be sacrificed at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion kill a goat during a ritual at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Remains of animals and a puddle of seawater mixed with blood are seen after a ritual by followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion prepare a goat to be sacrificed at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion prepare birds to be sacrificed at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A follower of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion stands over a puddle of seawater mixed with blood after killing animals during a ritual at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

Remains of animals and a puddle of seawater mixed with blood are seen after a ritual by followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A follower of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion cleans his knife after killing animals during a ritual at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A tourist takes photos of a goat due to be sacrificed by followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

People watch animals being sacrificed by followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion at the seafront in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A goat lies on the seafront before being sacrificed by followers of the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion in Havana, Cuba, May 9, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A bottle with a cross inside it, left by Santeria followers, is seen in the mountains near Santo Domingo, Cuba, March 31, 2018. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini 

A man walks on his knees as he arrives at the Maria Lionza shrine in the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A woman receives a purification bath at the well of San Juan of the Money at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

The remains of a statue of Pedro Camejo, Venezuelan independence hero known as "Negro Primero", are seen at the Maria Lionza shrine in the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A man prepares a purification liquid with liquor, essences and flowers petals at a camp at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People pray, smoke cigars and light up candles at the Maria Lionza shrine at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People take part on a "Dance on Glass" ritual at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A couple lies on the floor during a love and fertility ritual at a camp in the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People take part in rituals at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People cross a river at a hamlet in the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People smoke cigars next to Venezuelan National Guards at the Maria Lionza shrine on the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A woman lights a cigar at a camp at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A man removes bones from the head of a goat during a Santeria ceremony in Caracas, Venezuela November 7, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Altars are seen on the way to the Maria Lionza shrine at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

The remains of a dead chicken, liquor, and other items used in Santeria rituals are seen in a corner at a house in Caracas, Venezuela November 7, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A man lies on the floor during a ritual at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

People take part in rituals at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People take part in rituals at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 12, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

People take part in the celebration of the Day of the Dead in a Paleros religious ceremony in Los Teques, in the state of Miranda, Venezuela November 2, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

A man smokes a cigar during rituals at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A man (R) shakes during rituals at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Men walk on embers during a ritual at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A girl walks with flowers on her way to the Maria Lionza shrine at the Sorte Mountain on the outskirts of Chivacoa, in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela October 11, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

One long night every year in a mountainous rainforest in Venezuela, hundreds gather to dance on red-hot embers, enter trance-like states, and worship an ancient goddess known as Maria Lionza. Those who travel to the mountain known as Sorte in central Venezuela are practitioners of a cult that is built on local indigenous traditions. Followers say its rituals heal pain and can even cure disease. Legend holds that Maria Lionza, the daughter of an indigenous chief and a European colonizer, battled a massive anaconda until the serpent exploded - causing torrential rains that are typical of the jungle surrounding the Sorte mountain. Spiritual rituals that combine Roman Catholic teachings with African and indigenous legends are routinely practiced side-by-side with Christianity, primarily by Venezuela's working class. Santeria, a religion native to the Caribbean that combines the Yoruba traditions of West African slaves with Catholic teachings of Spanish colonizers, is also popular among those seeking spiritual guidance outside the Catholic church. REUTERS/Marco Bello SEARCH "SANTERIA" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

The remains of dead chicken are seen in recipients during a Santeria religion ritual in Caracas, Venezuela November 7, 2015. REUTERS/Marco Bello 

A statue of Saint Lazarus, who represents the deity Babalu-Aye in the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, is seen inside a house in Havana, March 19, 2016. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A follower of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria waits for transportation in Havana, March 17, 2016. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

A woman arranges figurines of saints and deities in the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria for sale, outside her house in Rincon, on the outskirts of Havana, September 17, 2015. Pope Francis is due for a three-night visit starting on Saturday as Catholicism is flourishing again in the former Spanish colony. As the church is gradually expanding its role and influence it still faces numerous challenges, notably low attendance, a lack of interest among youth and competition from Afro-Cuban religions that accept widely varying degrees of Catholic dogma. REUTERS/Stringer 

Beaded necklaces for sale, for followers of the Afro-Cuban religion santeria, hang on a wall next to a poster of Pope Francis at the home of Aramis Amaro in Rincon, on the outskirts of Havana, September 17, 2015. Pope Francis is due for a three-night visit starting on Saturday as Catholicism is flourishing again in the former Spanish colony. As the church is gradually expanding its role and influence it still faces numerous challenges, notably low attendance, a lack of interest among youth and competition from Afro-Cuban religions that accept widely varying degrees of Catholic dogma. The writing on the poster reads "Missionary of mercy, Welcome to Cuba." REUTERS/Stringer 

Aramis Amaro arranges figurines for sale of Saint Lazarus, who represents the deity Babalu-Aye in the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, outside his house in Rincon in the outskirts of Havana, September 17, 2015. Pope Francis is due for a three-night visit starting on Saturday as Catholicism is flourishing again in the former Spanish colony. As the church is gradually expanding its role and influence it still faces numerous challenges, notably low attendance, a lack of interest among youth and competition from Afro-Cuban religions that accept widely varying degrees of Catholic dogma. REUTERS/Stringer 

School teacher Niurka Mola, 50, holds a doll which symbolises the African sea goddess Yemaya before a ceremony in her home, a house known as Cabildo, or religious house by Santeria tradition, in downtown Havana, August 7, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognizing the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on August 7, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Santeria practitioner Miguel Angel, 36, sings religious songs at his home in downtown Havana, August 28, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognizing the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on August 28, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Followers of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria pray for the spirits in front of an altar and an image of Jesus Christ before a ceremony in a house known as Cabildo, or religious house by Santeria tradition, in downtown Havana, August 7, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognising the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on August 7, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A Santeria practitioner dances during a ceremony to attract spirits of dead ancestors to ask for guidance in downtown Havana, August 18, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognizing the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on August 18, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A doll with a black chicken's feather on her head is seen as part of an altar produced for a ceremony of the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria to attract spirits of dead ancestors to ask for guidance in a house in downtown Havana, August 18, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognizing the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on August 18, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

People take part in the party of Yensy Villarreal, 9, (not pictured), in celebration for becoming a Santero after passing a year-long rite of passage in the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria, Havana, July 5, 2015. Santeria adherents can only hope the upcoming visit from Pope Francis will somehow nudge the Church toward recognizing the millions of Cubans who identify with both religious traditions. Picture taken on July 5, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini