A Cuban man, known on TikTok as @elcalvo0161, has sparked a wave of reactions with a video that has gone viral. In this clip, he passionately defends his decision to continue sending aid to his friends back in Cuba during a family conversation.
"You all don't understand the true meaning of friendship," he declares. "When I was 16 and faced my first real problem, when I ended up in jails and prisons, those people welcomed me with open arms. We used to share a single piece of bread among 20 people... nobody on the streets here would do that," he recalls with fervor.
He remains firm in his choice to support those who were there for him during his darkest times: "I have to help them because they stood by me in tough times. I don’t mind working a day for Uber and making sacrifices for myself so they can have a piece of meat on December 31st."
His statements ignited a debate. A woman, seemingly part of the conversation, questioned, "Why don't they protest in Cuba?" Social media quickly responded: "Did you protest when you were there?" replied one user. Another chimed in, "She probably just marched on May Day." Among thousands of comments, opinions varied: "That's gratitude and values, something you rarely see these days"; "Brother, true friends are never forgotten, period"; and "This man speaks from the heart, not from politics."
Most, however, sided with "Calvo": "Only those who have starved understand loyalty," one supporter noted. Another summed it up with a viral comment: "Help comes and goes, but the friends who shared their bread when you had nothing remain forever."
With thousands of views and a flood of support, the "Calvo's" video transcended being just a simple discussion. For many Cubans both on and off the island, it served as a powerful reminder that gratitude — an old-school value embraced by those who endured hardship — still holds strong.
Understanding the Viral Message from a Cuban Perspective
Why did the Cuban man's video become viral?
The video resonated with many because it highlighted themes of loyalty, gratitude, and the sacrifices made for true friendship, which struck a chord with both Cubans and others who have experienced similar struggles.
What was the main point of the Cuban man's message?
His message emphasized the importance of gratitude and maintaining loyalty to friends who supported him in difficult times, even if it means making personal sacrifices.
How did people react to the woman's question about protesting in Cuba?
The question sparked a strong response on social media, with many questioning whether she herself took part in protests while living in Cuba and highlighting the complexities of speaking up in a repressive regime.