Cubans may leave their homeland, cross borders, and build new lives elsewhere, yet Cuba remains an indelible part of their identity. It lingers in their speech, gestures, and nostalgia... and also in the lines formed to send packages to loved ones back home. This was powerfully captured by the young Cuban, Christian Arbolaez, in a Facebook post after his personal experience at a Cuba Max location in Miami this past Thursday.
Christian went to send a package to the island, only to find himself amidst a scene that reminded him that certain routines remain deeply Cuban, no matter the distance. "The line at Cuba Max is not just a line: it’s a piece of the island embedded in foreign land, an extension of who we are even if we've crossed borders," he wrote.
As he waited for his turn, he listened to the voices around him: one woman discussed the power outages back in Cuba and how her mother couldn't keep food fresh, prompting her to send a generator. Another woman, holding back tears, recounted her journey from being a doctor in Cuba to taking six years to reunite with her husband in the United States.
A young man, adorned with tattoos and gold chains, made loud comments, while a young woman, cradling a baby, moved ahead without asking, sparking protests. "Having a child doesn't exempt you from asking permission," someone remarked, clearly annoyed. The line, much like life itself, has unwritten rules that everyone seems to know, Christian noted. The heat in Miami is relentless, and time passes with small cups of Cuban coffee, silences, and glances that seem to arrive from afar.
Meanwhile, a woman carried toys for her grandson as another man unloaded packages from a small motorcycle: "Cubans fight with whatever they have, with whatever they can," Christian observed. Finally, it was his turn. He weighed his packages, sent them off, and returned to his routine. But he left behind a truth felt by many Cubans in the diaspora: "Even though we're far away, we continue to carry Cuba with us. In our hearts. In the line. In every box we send."
Understanding the Cuban Experience in Miami
Why do Cubans in Miami form lines to send packages to Cuba?
Cubans in Miami form lines to send packages to Cuba as a way to support their families and friends back home, providing them with essential goods that might be scarce on the island.
What challenges do Cubans face when sending packages to Cuba?
Cubans face challenges such as long waiting times, navigating complex logistics, and dealing with emotional reminders of the struggles their loved ones face back home.
How does the experience of sending packages affect Cuban identity?
Sending packages reinforces Cuban identity by maintaining cultural connections and expressions of care and solidarity with those still living on the island.