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  He is the orisha of venereal disease, leprosy, smallpox, and of diseases of the skin in general. The sick invoke this saint to ask for a quick recovery.

He was expelled from the land of the Yoruba because of his dissipated life and was punished with leprosy. The music that is dedicated to him can be played in Yoruba manner with Bata drums, or in Ararà (“land of exile”) manner with other types of drums.

The name Babalu Aye is of Lucumi origin, but he is also known as Agróniga Omobitasa and Asowano.

His receptacle is an earthen bowl covered by another deeper and larger bowl. His dance represents a leper that limps and chases away the flies that are bothering him.

His colors are white and light blue, but can vary depending on the different paths of the orisha. His number is 13.

He is syncretized with Saint Lazarus and is celebrated December 17.