La Santeria en Matanzas, Cuba: An Interview with Alfredo Calvo

Alfredo Calvo (Oba Tola, ibae) was the last living direct godchild of Fermina Gomez (Ocha Bi, ibae) and one of the most knowledgable elders in Matanzas, Cuba until his death in August 2011. This interview was filmed in his home in 2009. In it he shares his perspective on the Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition known variously as Santeria, Lucumi, Regla de Ocha or, in his words, “the religion.“ Additional footage is from private archives and “Vamos al Tambor“ (a Kabiosile DVD, available at