This syncretic religion combines both African and Catholic beliefs and is practiced in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. What is it?

Santeria is a syncretic religion that blends elements of African traditional beliefs, particularly those from the Yoruba people, with Roman Catholicism. It emerged in the 19th century among enslaved Africans in Cuba and has since spread to other areas, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Practitioners of Santeria often see parallels between Catholic saints and African deities, known as Orishas, and they often maintain practices involving rituals, offerings, and ceremonies that reflect this blending of cultures.

This integration of Catholic and African beliefs allows practitioners to navigate the religious and cultural landscapes of their communities, often employing Catholic symbols and rituals to express their spiritual practices discreetly. The presence of Santeria in Caribbean and Latin American cultures underscores the impact of colonialism and the resilience of African traditions.

While other options may involve cultural practices or spiritual beliefs, they do not fit the specific description of a syncretic religion combining both African and Catholic elements. Voodoo primarily originates from Haiti and focuses on different deities and practices. Curanderismo refers more broadly to folk healing in Latino cultures without necessarily being a syncretic religion. Qi gong is a Chinese practice focused on health and spirituality, unrelated to the context provided in the question.