Priests from the Cuban Yoruba Cultural Association revealed the year´s predictions according to the Ifa oracle, an Afro Cuban divinatory system. According to the prediction under the sign of Otura Sa Cubans should take more care of their spiritual life this year, as well as increase the hygiene levels and respect habits and costumes that make possible to have a healthier life. 

 The priests also called to avoid social indiscipline, to take care of marriage, prevent sexually transmitted diseases and to stimulate family, religious and social union.  The warning also includes to avoid excess of ambition, not to forget our origins and avoid long exposure to sunlight. They also recommend to keep legal documents updated, not to mistreat children, take care from mosquitoes, give a proper treatment to garbish, take measures to reduce car accidents and maintain social attitudes to avoid shame.

The Yoruba priests also known as babalawos recommend to avoid cheating and to be careful when delegating responsibilities. They also confirmed Obbatalá as the governing deity which will be accompanied by Yemayá. The Yoruba year prediction started to be issued in Cuba by the end of the 19th century, without an exact date. There are data and documents revealing that babalawos from different parts of the country started to gather to properly carry out their ceremonies opening the year with its predictions. 

They would give recommendations and predictions using the Ifa oracle. Such advice should be followed to avoid obstacles and difficulties. The first prediction was carried out by babalawo Remigio Herrera, Obara Meyi, known as Adeshina and having a African origin. In 1902, due to Adeshina´s health problems Tata Gaitán assumed the prediction´s responsibility supported by a group of babalawos. 

The prophecy is revealed on January 1st in all the countries worshipping these cults, including Cuba, the United States, Venezuela, Porto Rico, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Brazil, France and Italy.

Translated by: Osmany Ortiz González (Azurina)