The Route of Forbidden Prayers: Spiritual Ceremonies Off the Radar

What it is and context

Medellín is a city that breathes contradictions. The same metropolis that every Sunday fills with Catholic masses at the Basilica of la Candelaria also silently harbors a network of spiritual ceremonies operating off the radar of tourism agencies and, at times, the law. In April 2026, the debate erupted forcefully when an event called “Conjuro: conversations on alternative spiritualities” triggered a virulent reaction from conservative sectors, who labeled it an apology for witchcraft. The controversy is not new, but it highlighted something many locals already know: here, Cuban Santería, Amazonian yagé, feminist prayer groups, and rituals of African origin coexist, all in neighborhoods ranging from Manrique to El Poblado.

For the mystical traveler or urban anthropologist, this city offers a spiritual map that does not appear in guidebooks. This is not fairground esoteric tourism, but living practices, often inherited through generations, celebrated in private homes, abandoned lots, or nearby mountains. The key is to move with respect, understand that it is not a spectacle, and that each ceremony has its own rules. Here is a route through what agencies do not promote.

Event details: Conjuro and the controversy that sparked the debate

The event “Conjuro: conversations on alternative spiritualities” took place in early 2026 at a cultural space in downtown Medellín. It brought together Santería practitioners, urban shamans, and academics to discuss rituals that the local Catholic Church considers a threat. The reaction was immediate: videos on social media, statements from religious leaders, and even a formal complaint invoking Law 133 of 1994, which regulates freedom of worship in Colombia. The organizers responded that they do not promote witchcraft, but dialogue on spiritual diversity.

Beyond the scandal, Conjuro made it clear that in Medellín there is an active scene of alternative spiritualities. It is not a new phenomenon, but one that has grown over the last five years, driven by Cuban, Venezuelan migrants, and indigenous communities who have brought their traditions to the city. What follows are some of the ceremonies you can find, as long as you know where to look and how to behave.

Santería sessions in working-class neighborhoods

In neighborhoods like Manrique, Aranjuez, or Robledo, it is not uncommon to find houses with candles, images of saints, and the smell of tobacco and rum. These are houses of saints, where Cuban Santería is practiced, an Afro-Caribbean religion that mixes Catholicism with the worship of orishas. The ceremonies are private, but some babalawos (priests) open their doors to those who come recommended.

• What is done? Cowrie shell consultations, spiritual cleansings, offerings to Elegguá or Changó. It is not a show; it is a serious process that can last hours.
• How to attend? Do not arrive without a contact. The only way is for an acquaintance to take you or to attend public events like those organized by the Casa de la Cultura Afrodescendiente in downtown, where there are sometimes open talks.
• Price: Consultations can cost between 50,000 and 150,000 COP, depending on the work. Do not haggle; it is an offering, not a tourist service.

A curious fact: in Medellín there are over 200 informally registered houses of saints, according to Afro community leaders. Many have operated for decades, but the Conjuro controversy caused several to close their doors to strangers for fear of reprisals.

Yagé ceremonies with traditional healers

Yagé (ayahuasca) is a master plant used by indigenous peoples of Putumayo and the Amazon. In Medellín, several taitas (traditional healers) hold ceremonies on the outskirts of the city, especially in areas like San Antonio de Prado or Santa Elena. They are not weekend tourist retreats; they are controlled spaces with strict protocols.

• What is done? Yagé intake in a circle, with songs (ícaros), and a purging process that may include vomiting or diarrhea. It is part of the cleansing.
• How to attend? Look for trusted groups. A reliable reference is the Asociación de Médicos Tradicionales del Putumayo, which sometimes organizes ceremonies in Medellín. There are also spaces like La Casa del Yagé, in the Belén neighborhood, but always verify that the taita has experience.
• Price: Between 150,000 and 300,000 COP per ceremony, which includes the intake and accompaniment. It does not include transportation.
• Precautions: Do not take it if you have heart problems, take antidepressants, or are in psychiatric treatment. Always ask about the risks.

A fact few know: yagé is not illegal in Colombia, but its use is regulated for indigenous contexts. Ceremonies in Medellín operate in a legal gray area, and in 2025 there were raids on several houses due to neighbor complaints. Attend discreetly.

Feminist prayer groups

In contrast to ancestral traditions, collectives of women have emerged in Medellín that reinterpret spirituality from a gender perspective. These are feminist prayer circles that meet in private homes or spaces like the Casa de las Mujeres, in the Laureles neighborhood. There are no saints or orishas; there are rituals with candles, tarot readings, meditation, and songs dedicated to the goddess or feminine energy.

• What is done? Full moon ceremonies, healing of patriarchal wounds, invocation of figures like the Virgin of Guadalupe reinterpreted as a symbol of resistance. It is not an organized cult; it is a space for mutual support.
• How to attend? Look on Instagram for collectives like “Mujeres de Luna” or “Círculo de Fuego”. They post open calls, but with limited capacity. Arrive with respect and without performance expectations.
• Price: Generally free or with a voluntary contribution (10,000-20,000 COP). There is no charge to participate, but sometimes they ask you to bring something to share.

These groups have grown after the social uprising of 2021, when many women sought spaces for collective healing. They are not exempt from criticism: conservative sectors accuse them of “modern witchcraft,” but they respond that it is a way to reconnect with the sacred without dogma.

Prices and how to get tickets

Here there is no ticketing on TuBoleta. Each ceremony has its own dynamic:

• Santería: There are no “tickets.” You attend by recommendation and pay for a consultation or an offering. Prices vary, but an ebbó (cleansing) can cost between 80,000 and 200,000 COP.
• Yagé: Ceremonies are booked with the taita or the organization. Look on social media or specialized WhatsApp groups. There is no formal website; everything is word of mouth.
• Feminist groups: Calls are posted on Instagram or on bulletin boards at spaces like the Casa de la Cultura de Laureles. Arrive early, because spots fill up fast.

Important: none of these events are promoted by tourism agencies. If you see a tour offering “Santería ceremony included,” be wary. The authentic is not sold as a souvenir.

How to get there

Each type of ceremony has its own location, but here are general references:

• Santería in Manrique: Take the Metro to the Manrique station, then go up by bus or taxi to the upper part of the neighborhood. The houses of saints are usually on residential streets, without a sign.
• Yagé in Santa Elena: From downtown, take a bus to Santa Elena from the Terminal de Transporte del Norte. The trip takes about 45 minutes. Many ceremonies are held on farms, so coordinate the meeting point with the taita.
• Feminist circles in Laureles: The Laureles neighborhood is easy to reach by Metro (station Estadio or Floresta) or by bus. Exact addresses are given only to those who confirm attendance.

Tip: use Uber or a trusted taxi if the ceremony ends late. In neighborhoods

Tips for attendees