A TikTok video posted by user @kkullu, featuring two seemingly Russian young women eagerly celebrating their upcoming trip to Cuba with the phrase “Cuba is calling,” has gone viral on social media—but not for the reasons they anticipated. The footage shows the duo walking on a moving walkway in what appears to be a European airport, dancing and smiling to background music. While the clip attempts to convey excitement for a tropical getaway, the reactions from hundreds of users, many of whom are Cuban, painted a starkly different picture.
Comments flooded the post with snarky remarks like “Cuba is calling on WhatsApp,” “Don’t answer that call!” and “The blackouts are calling,” alluding to the island’s energy crises, lack of freedoms, and economic collapse.
Some users, who are either Cuban-born or currently residing on the island, were more blunt: “Cuba is a prison (I’m Cuban),” wrote one of the most liked comments. Another added, “Never go to Cuba, the economy is in shambles,” and someone else quipped, “I’d rather be in hell; at least there’s light there.”
The bulk of criticisms focused on the disconnect between the idyllic tourist image often portrayed by some visitors and the harsh reality faced by millions of Cubans daily. “They’re going on vacation, not to live there. It’s very different spending a few days with money and comforts in Varadero compared to enduring six-hour blackouts, with no food or medicine,” another commenter noted. “Let the Hunger Games begin!” exclaimed one, while another added, “Romanticizing a dictatorship isn’t cool!”
However, there were a few comments defending the natural beauty of the country despite its structural issues. “It’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world; it makes sense they’d want to visit,” one user expressed.
The video, which has already surpassed 106,000 views, serves as yet another example of how social media highlights the stark contrast between international tourism experiences in Cuba and the everyday lives of its citizens.
Understanding the Realities of Visiting Cuba
What are some common misconceptions about traveling to Cuba?
Many tourists see Cuba as a tropical paradise, unaware of the economic struggles, energy shortages, and political issues that affect daily life for locals.
Why do some Cubans advise against visiting the country?
Cubans often highlight the stark contrast between tourist areas and the hardships faced by residents, including frequent blackouts and shortages of essential goods.