A Cuban woman has sparked a significant reaction on TikTok by sharing a video on her profile @naranjosleya, showcasing her arrival in Cuba with her son. The clip opens with a provocative statement: "I'm not going to Cuba anymore. It's a mess," quickly grabbing the attention of thousands. What initially appears as a stark critique transforms into a message addressing those who question emigrants choosing to return, even briefly.
Throughout the video, the creator confronts the criticisms often faced by those who decide to go back to the island. "If you don't miss the people from your neighborhood, the place where you were born and grew up, you shouldn't return to Cuba," she declares. Her speech, rich in personal anecdotes, highlights the emotional conflict many emigrants experience between their detachment and the familial bonds that still tie them to Cuba.
The footage captures her stepping off the plane with her son in her arms, reuniting with family in an emotional embrace. She continues, "If you haven't spent the last two years crying or watching your children grow up through a phone, you shouldn't go to Cuba." Many have interpreted the post as a defense of those who, despite the country's conditions, choose to return to see their loved ones.
The phrase resonating most in the comments encapsulates the message: "If you're willing to live 15 days of what they live an entire year, just to hug them, then yes, you should go to Cuba." Rather than casting judgments, the creator shares a personal stance on returning, while acknowledging the weight of that decision.
The video has triggered numerous reactions, both supportive and critical. Some users commend her bravery for addressing a sensitive topic, while others accuse her of inconsistency for returning after emigrating. "I return, even if just for a few days, because my mother is there," one user remarked. Another was more blunt: "I went back after 25 years; the poverty is immense, but family is worth it."
The creator has clarified in several comments that her message is not political nor a stance, but rather an emotional experience. Regarding her son, she explained, "He met his siblings; we must keep going. His family is there." Her account reignites an ongoing conversation among Cubans: when—and why—should one return?
The video doesn't aim to enforce a truth but exposes a sentiment shared by many Cubans: the yearning to embrace their loved ones, even for a short time, and the burden of having to justify it. Returning or staying remains a deeply personal choice, laden with emotions, memories, and contradictions.
Questions About Visiting Cuba for Cuban Emigrants
Why do some Cuban emigrants choose to return to Cuba despite its challenges?
Many Cuban emigrants return to reconnect with their families and roots, even if just for a short visit. The emotional bonds and longing for their loved ones often outweigh the country's challenges.
What is the common reaction of people when emigrants return to Cuba?
Reactions vary; some support the decision as a brave acknowledgment of familial ties, while others criticize it as inconsistency or incoherence, given the reasons for emigrating in the first place.