What is the Cordón?

The mediumistic practice of Cordón – a tradition deeply rooted in Cuban identity

The mediumistic practice of Cordón

The mediumistic practice of Cordón is a phenomenon deeply rooted in Cuban identity, whose origins establish a bridge between the island’s prehistoric past and contemporary Cuban society.

The following provides a detailed explanation of its origin, development and structure.

Practice of Cordón

1 ndigenous roots: the legacy of the Areíto

The core of this practice comes directly from the original Taíno peoples of the Antilles. Its origin lies in the Areíto, a collective ceremonial dance of the Indo-Cubans that incorporated singing, dancing and healing rituals.

Structural continuity

The circular formation, the rhythm of foot stamping and the alternating singing between a leader and the chorus are elements that have been preserved almost unchanged from the indigenous tradition.

Healing purpose

As in the Areíto, the main objective is to heal illnesses through the power of collective energy, understood as manifestations produced by the influence of negative spiritual forces.

2 Historical evolution and survival

After the arrival of the Spanish, the Areíto was banned as early as 1512. However, the practice survived “underground”, especially in the most remote rural areas of eastern Cuba.

From the Areíto to Cordón

For centuries, this knowledge was transmitted orally from generation to generation within peasant families. In the second half of the 19th century, these ancient traditions came into contact with the teachings of Allan Kardec, whose theoretical framework — especially the concept of the “medium” — was used to provide a conceptual basis for a practice that already existed.

3 Patriotic context: the role of the Mambises

A decisive moment for the consolidation of this practice was the Cuban wars of independence in the 19th century.

Resistance

The mediumistic practice was widespread among the soldiers of the Liberation Army, known as Mambises, and was considered a symbol of anti-colonial identity.

Salustiano Olivera

Salustiano Olivera, a prominent leader of the independence movement and later mayor of Bayamo, played a fundamental role in the creation of organised centres. He adapted the traditions to the needs of his time and founded in 1910 the renowned centre “Buscando Luz y Verdad”.

The mediumistic practice of Cordón as a collective healing technique

The mediumistic practice of Cordón in Cuba is a collective technique aimed at inducing states of trance and energetic healing, based on specific physical and rhythmic dynamics.

It is understood as a system of bioenergetic exchange, in which the human body acts as a channel of communication for discarnate identities.

The mechanics of the collective chain

The central element of this practice is the formation of a human circle or chain —the so-called Cordón—, in which the participants remain connected by holding hands.

Rhythmic movement

The practitioners move in a circle through an anticlockwise rotation. This dance is characterised by a uniform and vigorous stamping of the feet on the ground, accompanied by a rhythmic movement of the arms from top to bottom.

Acoustic stimulation

The ceremony is led by a guide, known as the Cabecero, who initiates the a cappella chants known as Transmisiones. During the session, these chants evolve into a crescendo composed of guttural sounds, gasps and rhythmic breathing. In this way, a sibilance or cacophony is generated that intensifies the trance state.

The mediumistic field and trance

The aim of this physical and rhythmic effort is to reach a state of trance that allows communication with spirits.

Through the combination of constant repetition, physical exhaustion and sound rhythm, a collective energetic field is generated.

The medium acts within this field as an instrument. During trance, a connection is established between the bioenergetic force of the medium and a spiritual entity.

This state allows the medium to receive information about the condition of people seeking help, perceived in the form of illnesses or energetic blockages.

The therapeutic application in the “Balsa”

The people seeking help are placed in the centre of the circle, a space known as “Balsa”.

Energetic projection

The energy generated within the Cordón is projected towards the people situated in the centre.

Magnetic passes

During trance, mediums perform specific manipulations over the bodies of those affected, known as magnetic passes. The hands move at a short distance from the body with the purpose of restoring energetic balance.

Cleansing (Despojo)

Through rapid movements of the arms and hands, the rotation of the patients around their own axis and the use of magnetised water, negative influences are extracted.

Structure of the mediumistic session

The practice follows a precise development divided into five phases, with the aim of ensuring the safety of the mediums and the effectiveness of the healing process.

Preparation

Cleansing and concentration of the mediums to establish the energetic field.

Opening of the centre

The people seeking help enter the circle, and the energetic frequency is raised through the dance.

Mediumistic intervention

The main healing work takes place, during which messages are transmitted and energetic manipulations are carried out.

Closing of the Balsa

The negative energy is collected and removed from the space.

Final cleansings

The mediums perform a collective discharge —frequently through movements and shaking of the hands and arms— in order to release themselves from the received burdens and return to their everyday state.