The well-known Dominican TikToker, @toxicaliz27, who is often referred to as "the most Cuban Dominican," recently recounted an eye-opening story from a previous trip to Cuba. Through a storytelling video, Lizzy humorously yet surprisingly shared a couple of incidents that left her puzzled during her stay in Varadero.
“This happened to the most Cuban Dominican on TikTok,” she began. Lizzy explained that due to her family background—her great-grandparents were Cuban—many people assume she is a local. She expressed a deep connection to the island's culture and takes pride in her Cuban heritage. However, during this visit, she encountered unexpected attitudes, likely because she was mistaken for a Cuban resident.
Unexpected Encounters in Varadero
Lizzy recounted dining with a group of Cuban friends at a terrace in Varadero. After ordering a mojito, the waiter informed her of the price before taking the order. “I’m not asking for the price, I’m telling you to bring it,” she recalled, visibly uncomfortable with the response. Despite eventually receiving her drink, the server's approach left her feeling "shocked."
Overcoming Discomfort with Positivity
Even after the awkward encounter, Lizzy opted to remain positive and showed kindness to the staff. “When I visit Cuba, I want to leave a good tip because I know people don't earn much, and I want to help,” she explained. Consequently, she left a $25 tip, though the gratitude she received felt lukewarm and insincere.
Another Unpleasant Surprise
The following day, Lizzy faced another uncomfortable situation while trying to enter a well-known bar with her friends. Although the security staff had informed them the bar closed at midnight, they were denied entry upon their return, with claims that they were no longer accepting customers. “They told us they didn’t want more people, but we saw others being let in,” Lizzy shared. Despite the awkwardness, she chose to move on and enjoy her evening elsewhere.
Throughout her video, the influencer emphasized that her intention was not to criticize Cuba or generalize. “I love Cuba and adore its people,” she affirmed. Lizzy also compared her experience to similar situations in her home country, the Dominican Republic, where she noted that foreign visitors are sometimes prioritized over locals. Her story sparked various reactions, including a comment from a user who remarked, “Cuban locals face that same discrimination daily in places reserved by the dictatorship for tourists.”
FAQs about Tourism Experiences in Cuba
Why do some locals in Cuba face discrimination in tourist areas?
In Cuba, certain establishments prioritize tourists over locals due to the economic benefits tourism brings. This often results in locals facing discriminatory practices in places reserved for tourists.
How can visitors support locals while traveling in Cuba?
Travelers can support locals by tipping generously, purchasing local products, and choosing to stay in locally-owned accommodations. This helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism more equitably.