A young Cuban man residing in the Dominican Republic has stirred a wave of responses on TikTok after posting a video listing four things he loves most about living in the Caribbean nation, along with one thing he simply cannot stand: sweet beans. The video, shared by user @kristiano_beats, reveals the young man feeling quite at home in a Dominican neighborhood. "You think you're in Cuba; it's just like Cuba, the same neighborhood, everything the same," he states in his recording, which has garnered over 255,000 views on the platform.
He praises the Dominican people's warm and outgoing nature and expresses his appreciation for the wide variety of products available in local shops, where he can buy anything "without a ration book." Another aspect he enjoys is the weather, which he describes as hot and similar to Cuba's. However, he admits that his only gripe is with a traditional Dominican dish: "The only thing I don't like, and I'm sorry, Dominicans, is the sweet beans. I don't think there's a Cuban who would eat that," he declared.
Social Media Reacts: National Pride and Shared Laughter
The post sparked over 2,000 comments, filled with hospitality, humor, national pride, and cultural debates. Many Dominicans passionately defended sweet beans, a staple dish during Holy Week, while others—including some Cubans—admitted they haven't acquired a taste for it. "You're missing out," wrote one Dominican user, while another replied, "That's because you haven't tried them properly made." A Cuban commented, "I'm here too, and I can't handle the sweet beans." The phrase "I'm not an Aguilucho," referring to not being a fan of the popular baseball team Águilas Cibaeñas, also sparked laughter and divided opinions on local sports rivalries.
Several users highlighted that the similarities between Cubans and Dominicans go beyond language or climate. "Conclusion: you're in Premium Cuba," joked one follower. Others added more heartfelt messages like, "Cubans will always be welcome in the DR" or "I hope Cuba will be free someday."
Similar Stories: A Trend on TikTok
This testimony is not the only one gaining attention on social media. Last March, a newly-arrived Cuban woman in Punta Cana went viral after entering a supermarket for the first time, amazed by the variety of products available. "Are these garlic for decoration?" she asked in astonishment, highlighting the stark contrast with the scarcity in her home country.
Another widely-discussed case is that of Eliza, a young woman who described her experience in Santo Domingo as enlightening. She praised Dominican hospitality, modern transportation, the ease of starting a business, and even the fast internet speed. "Here videos upload like a rocket," she said in her widely-shared video.
Meanwhile, Claudia Jauregui, another Cuban living in the Dominican Republic, expressed gratitude on TikTok for how warmly she has been welcomed. "I now eat mangú, mofongo, and I can say 'dame un chin,'" she joked, showcasing how she has embraced part of Dominican culture while maintaining her Cuban roots.
An Expanding Cultural Phenomenon
These viral stories on social media not only entertain but also shed light on the migration experience of Cubans in the Caribbean. Amid cultural clashes, adaptation, and gratitude, these testimonials reveal a special connection between the two peoples, forged by geographic proximity, shared Caribbean character, and, most importantly, solidarity between nations.
Cuban Experiences in the Dominican Republic
Why does the Cuban feel at home in the Dominican Republic?
The Cuban man feels at home because the neighborhood in the Dominican Republic resembles his experience in Cuba; the people are warm and extroverted, and the climate is similar.
What dish does the Cuban man dislike in the Dominican Republic?
He dislikes sweet beans, a traditional Dominican dish, stating that he doesn't believe any Cuban would enjoy it.