Oku ó gbogbo abure Lukumí

In the past forty years, Lukumí religion has undergone a tremendous degree of growth in the United States and other areas outside Cuba. The many Cubans that fled the island's Revolution in different waves since the early 1960s have taken the religion to different areas of the world and introduced it to people of different ethnicities and nationalities. Though its origins are undeniable, the religion's growth has reached such a degree of heterogeneity that we can no longer refer to this as an Afro-Cuban religion. In fact, the Lukumí religion is probably well on its way to becoming an international religion. Modupué gbogbo Orisha.

In the past, I have expressed concern on many Internet forums about the increasing number of questionable websites, their mercenary nature, and the level of misinformation that some of these sites are spreading. I do realize though that there is a growing and legitimate need to disseminate information, even if this means doing so through means that vary tremendously from the traditional way in which our religion was transmitted in the past. Though this may be an area of concern for some, including myself, modern Olorishas may not always have the opportunity to learn by participation in events and rituals. Obviously, the Internet and books can never substitute for actual exposure and practice, but it is definitely a very powerful medium to share our experiences and devotion.

This website will contribute to the growing body of reputable Internet literature on this often misunderstood and purposely stigmatized religion. It is my strongest desire that it serve as a place to disseminate knowledge and understanding. After more than twenty-five years as an Obá Oriaté, I hope to offer a different perspective than that which has been available thus far. I can only pray to Olorun and the Orishas that my initiative will be received with the same level of respect that I have tried to inspire throughout my religious life.

Ki Olorun n'agbé wá!
Willie Ramos,
Ilarí Obá

(click to enlarge)
Maferefún Shangó, Kawó Kabiyesilé!
 Throne installed in Miami, in January 2001, for a wemilere given to my Shangó by my omó Orisha Ada Galera, Odomikeye.  The throne was built by Jorge Ortega, Ewín Sholá.

© 2001-2007, Miguel Ramos  

In memory of all those who lost their lives on
September 11, 2001.
We have not forgotten you, nor shall we ever forget!  
Ibá é layé'ntorún, mbelese Olodumaré!

We also pray for the safety of all the troops in Iraq. May God protect them.

Available once again!
¡Nuevamente disponible!
Asé Omó Osayín. . .Ewé Ayé, 5ta Edición
Asé Omó Osayín
Artigo em Português

Visit Our Calendar of Events
Calendar
(Calendario)

Visit our store for Select Orisha Books, DVDs, and CDs
Store
(Tienda)

New DVDs Now Available

From Santiago de Cuba, The Academy of Cuban Folklore and Dance Present their recent DVDs
"Rumba" and "Eleggua"

Also available, the remarkable DVDs by Kabiosile Productions
"Vamos al Tambor" & "La Fuerza del Tambor: Batá, Bembé y Guiro en Matanzas, Cuba"

Read our review of the "Fuerza" DVD

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Also available on Eleda.Org
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Adimú: Gbogbó Tén'unjé Lukumí

Learn about the offerings made to the orishas
Conozca las ofrendas que se le hacen a los orishas
Bilingual publication-publicación bilingue
Adimú

Important - Updated Often

Articles and Special Features

Recent Book and CD Releases and Reviews

Archived Articles and News Items

Lukumí Orisha Sites

Candomblé and Other Orisha Related Sites

This site is owned by Obá Oriaté Miguel "Willie" Ramos, Ilarí Obá, Oní Shangó Lukumí.

© 2001-2009, Miguel Ramos  

No unauthorized reproduction or storage. All quotes or photos originating from this website must be accompanied with the appropriate citation and source URL.

Email: Ilari@eleda.org

Webmaster, Alajé Thomas, Fadesiyé

Please be aware that when I do have the time to answer emails, I will not answer anonymous emails nor those from people who use pseudonyms and do not state their name.

Acknowledgements:

This site was originally created and designed with the indispensable help of Babalorisha Clay Keck, Afolabí, Oní Yemojá, to whom I am greatly indebted.

I would also like to appreciate the extremely valuable contribution of Ricardo Ferreira do Amaral, Brazilian devotee of Airá, who has helped with the translation of many of the website's articles into Portuguese.

To both these gentlemen I say modupé 'dupé ó!