In the state of Morelos, authorities raided a home where they uncovered human remains, bloodstains, and crosses, suggesting the property was used for Santeria rituals. The house belonged to a former official tied to ex-governor Cuauhtémoc Blanco.
The discovery was made by the state’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which arrived at the property in Cuernavaca. The home was linked to Dionicio Álvarez Anonales, former director of the Tequesquitengo Lake Trust during Blanco’s administration. While Álvarez was not found—authorities had intended to arrest him as part of a corruption investigation—they stumbled upon something far more chilling.
What is Santería?
Santería is an Afro-Caribbean religion that blends Yoruba spiritual beliefs with elements of Catholicism. It originated among enslaved West Africans in Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean, where practitioners syncretized their deities, known as Orishas, with Catholic saints to preserve their traditions under colonial rule. Santería involves rituals such as drumming, dance, animal offerings, and divination to communicate with the Orishas and seek guidance.
Santería has gained popularity in Mexico due to a mix of cultural, historical, and social factors:
-
Migration and Cultural Exchange – The presence of Afro-Caribbean communities, particularly from Cuba, has contributed to the spread of Santería in Mexico. Cuban migrants and exiles, especially in cities like Veracruz, Mexico City, and the Yucatán Peninsula, brought their religious traditions with them.
-
Syncretism with Mexican Beliefs – Mexico has a strong tradition of syncretic spirituality, blending indigenous, Catholic, and folk beliefs. Santería fits into this landscape, as its mix of Yoruba and Catholic elements resonates with many Mexicans who already practice folk Catholicism or veneration of popular figures like Santa Muerte.
-
Spiritual and Mystical Appeal – Many people turn to Santería for personal guidance, healing, and protection. The religion offers practical spiritual solutions through rituals, divination, and the worship of Orishas, which some Mexicans see as an alternative or complement to Catholicism.
-
Growth of Esoteric and Alternative Religions – In urban areas, particularly Mexico City, there has been a rise in interest in alternative spiritualities, including Santería, voodoo, and other Afro-Caribbean practices.
-
Pop Culture and Media Influence – Films, music, and even telenovelas have helped introduce elements of Santería to the mainstream, sparking curiosity and attracting followers.
See also: Elon Musk’s Family History: His Bloodline is Much More Disturbing Than You Think
Skulls and Crosses in Morelos
According to officials, the grim findings were located in the laundry room, where at least three skulls were placed inside a clay pot. Nearby, candles, wooden crosses, and machetes embedded in wood were also discovered.
The scene grew even more macabre with the discovery of wooden carvings depicting what appeared to be a human head covered in blood. Animal bones and remains were also found, further suggesting the property was used for Santería rituals.
See also: Trump to Invoke Alien Enemies Act to Fast-Track Mass Deportations
Locked, Loaded, and Gone Without a Trace
Upon arriving at the property in the Recursos Hidráulicos neighborhood, authorities encountered an armed man who claimed to be a bodyguard for Dionicio Álvarez. The individual allegedly attempted to draw his weapon but was subdued by police after a brief struggle. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Meanwhile, Álvarez remains at large. During the final stretch of Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s term, he served as director of the Tequesquitengo Lake Trust, and is accused of corruption. By 2025, he was set to oversee the treasury of Cuautla’s municipal government.
His disappearance follows a series of complaints filed by Morelos Governor Margarita González Saravia against former officials tied to Blanco. Among the allegations, Álvarez is accused of approving a payment of 19 million pesos for a concert that never took place, with the funds allegedly pocketed.
Additionally, during his term, several properties in Tequesquitengo were reportedly sold at suspiciously low prices, adding to the ongoing investigations into fraud and influence peddling.
See also: FBI Warning: Delete These Texts on Your iPhone or Android Phone Immediately
This eerie discovery has left Morelos residents and authorities alike on edge. As the search for Álvarez continues, the chilling evidence of Santeria rituals raises more questions than answers. Was this home a hub for dark practices, or is there more to the story?
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.