Saint Lazarus Day is observed in Cuba every December 17, commemorating the feast day of Saint Lazarus of Bethany, a biblical figure known for being resurrected by Jesus. This festival uniquely blends elements of Roman Catholicism and Santería, a syncretic religion that emerged during Cuba's colonial period. Devotees honor Saint Lazarus, who is conflated with the beggar Lazarus from the Gospel of Luke, by participating in a pilgrimage to the Church and Leprosorium of Saint Lazarus in El Rincón. Tens of thousands of pilgrims travel to the church, many demonstrating their devotion through acts such as walking barefoot, crawling, or carrying symbolic items like crosses or stones. Participants often wear garments made of sackcloth and purple fabrics and leave offerings of candles, flowers, and coins. In Santería, Saint Lazarus is associated with Babalú-Ayé, the orisha of healing, particularly for skin diseases and epidemics, reflecting the deep cultural significance of this day in Cuban society.