A recent TikTok video shared by user @yosoyjaimep provides a visual tour through various streets of Holguín, a city located in eastern Cuba, stirring a wave of nostalgia and emotion among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Filmed on July 15, 2025, the footage presents an uncommon picture for those who recall a bustling city, once vibrant with workers, students, and families moving about.
Now, the nearly deserted streets evoke a profound sense of desolation, especially to those who have emigrated or haven't been able to return home. "I'm astonished by how many have left, some due to COVID-19, others through emigration. I never thought I'd see the place where I was born so empty," expressed one visibly moved viewer.
Many recall fondly the social life that once defined the city: late-night parties and daily routines that began at dawn with a lively Holguín. "Parties ended at 2 a.m. in the park, and the days started at 5:45 with people heading to work," another commenter reminisced.
Among the messages, there is also a strong sense of pride and affection for their homeland. "I'm from Cueto, such nostalgia seeing my Holguín," one user wrote, offering blessings to the province and its residents.
These images, shared across social media, mirror the current state of many Cuban cities, where migration, an aging population, and economic crisis have left visible marks on the urban landscape.
Nostalgia and Change in Holguín
What sparked the wave of nostalgia among Cubans regarding Holguín?
A TikTok video showcasing the deserted streets of Holguín, reminding viewers of its once vibrant past, has stirred a sense of nostalgia and emotion.
How have migration and economic issues impacted Holguín?
Migration, an aging population, and economic challenges have visibly altered the urban landscape of Holguín, leaving it less populated and vibrant than before.