Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2026
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Sophie Marinez
Subject Categories
Civic and Community Engagement | Environmental Policy | Latina/o Studies | New Religious Movements | Other Religion | Place and Environment | Politics and Social Change | Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration | Sociology of Religion | Urban Studies and Planning
Keywords
Santeria, New York City, Public Parks, Waste Theory, Disposal Studies, Afro-Caribbean Religion
Abstract
Practitioners of Afro-Caribbean religions, including Santería, Vodou, Espiritismo, and Las 21 Divisiones, utilize the New York City Public Parks system to hold rituals, connect with spirits and ancestors, and dispose of religious remains leftover from trabajos (workings) and brujería (witchcraft). Utilizing photos from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, my thesis considers the religious, political, social, and practical rationale behind this phenomenon, explores the rituals occurring, and provides policy suggestions that balance religious needs of practitioners with the safety and wellbeing of New York City’s parks.
Recommended Citation
Oro-Hahn, Zoe, "Goddess in a Trash Can: Religious Ritual Disposal in New York City Public Parks" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6629
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Latina/o Studies Commons, New Religious Movements Commons, Other Religion Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Commons, Sociology of Religion Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
