Although African slaves existed in Cuba from the beginning of colonization, the extermination of the natives led to an increase in the slave trade, which lasted until 1790. These slaves came from diverse ethnic groups, and with them, their customs, languages, and religions were introduced to the island.

Slaves in Cuba had no entertainment except what they could provide for themselves. The barracks and plantations were the only places where they were allowed to sing and dance.

They had to assimilate the ways of life and behavior imposed by the Hispanics. However, they managed to retain tribal traits that distinguished them from the rest of the population. In the second decade of the 16th century, the so-called National Councils emerged, provincial houses where Black men and women belonging to the same tribe or nation met. Through these, some of their cultural elements, such as music, dance, culinary arts, and others, were able to survive.

In the town councils they held celebrations on holidays, in their ceremonies they played their drums and other instruments, sang and danced, these being African theatrical forms of a ritual nature, that is, primitive forms of theater.

Slaves and freedmen continued to worship their gods, masking them in parties and revelry that became popular. Three Kings’ Day was one of the famous festivities of the 16th century in Cuba.

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, or Three Kings’ Day, is a Catholic liturgical feast celebrated on January 6th. It gave the Town Councils the opportunity to take to the streets and lead a procession, culminating at the Palace of the Captains-General.

Several theories have arisen regarding the origins of this parade. One, proposed by Fernando Ortiz, suggests that the Black people imitated the custom practiced by the king’s slaves in America, who would go to their master’s representative to demand a Christmas bonus.

The protagonists of this celebration were the most exploited social sectors. Slaves were allowed to dress up and perform songs, dances, and other performances. Little by little, the Town Councils perfected the costumes worn by their members and their individual banners, all with a competitive spirit.

On Three Kings’ Day, African ethnic groups revived the festivities of their native lands. This celebration featured a fantastic spectacle. Black people filled the streets of the towns with their songs and dances.

During the performances, the costumed and masked individuals imitated the social gestures of their masters, and in turn, imposed their gods and culture. During the performances, the individuals imposed their gods and culture through the so-called little devils. Among the most characteristic little devils were the culonna or wise woman, the Egungun, the mojiganga, the kokoríkamo, the hairy ones, the dwarfs, the anaquillé, the mamarrachos, and the snake.

Three Kings’ Day is the pinnacle of Afro-Cuban cultural representation.