santerias reliance on ritual practices, including animal sacrifice, exemplifies how yoruba traditions adapt to new socio-political landscapes. the cultural and legal battles santeria practitioners face in the united states often mirror broader struggles for minority religious rights in a pluralistic society. church of the lukumi babalu aye v. city of hialeah addressed whether local ordinances targeting santeria practices, particularly animal sacrifice, violated the free exercise clause of the first amendment. the court unanimously held that hialeahs ordinances were neither neutral nor generally applicable and specifically targeted santeria, thereby discriminating against the religion. florida, with its significant afro-caribbean population, serves as a melting pot of yoruba-derived practices. santerias visibility there has made it a focal point for cultural preservation and legal contention. the lukumi decision empowered practitioners to maintain their traditions, fostering cultural vibrancy in diaspora communities. however, cases like trump v. hawaii demonstrate the fragility of these protections when broader societal fears (e.g., national security) intersect with minority rights. this duality reflects esus challenge to balance individual destinies with collective well-being. by exploring these intersections, we deepen our understanding of how yoruba cultural resilience informs modern legal struggles, ensuring that diverse traditions like santeria flourish in a pluralistic society. *-*-*
United States