In Cuban culture, December 17th marks El Día de San Lázaro, the day of Saint Lazarus. San Lazaro holds dual roles for many Cubans, being both a Catholic saint, and a god in the Afro-Cuban santeria religion. Back on December 17, 2004, Babalu Blog founder Val Prieto wrote this: Today, December 17th, is Babalu Aye day in the Afro-Cuban religion.