A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @annetll, shared a video that has touched the hearts of thousands: the moment her mother receives a television as a gift and reacts with overwhelming emotion, exclaiming "My girl" upon seeing her daughter's gesture of fulfilling her wish from abroad.
The 58-second clip, set to the song Arizona Sky, was posted on March 8 with a heartfelt message from the creator to her mother: "Mom, thank you always for everything. You deserve this and so much more."
This video adds to a recurring trend on social media where Cubans living abroad capture the moment they surprise their family members on the island with essential appliances that have become luxuries beyond reach for most in Cuba.
Recurring Acts of Generosity from Cuban Expatriates
In May 2025, a Cuban woman from the United States astonished her father in Maisí with a 65-inch television, a moment that also sparked a wave of reactions. Similarly, in December 2025, user @yilian0424 sent a refrigerator to her father in Cuba with the message: "Christmas came early for my dad. May God always bless him."
Other viral instances include a Cuban woman gifting her mother a new washing machine, stating, "Every day we're apart will be worth it." In April 2025, a granddaughter gave her 99-year-old grandmother in Cuba two pots, another gesture that quickly gained traction online.
The Economic Struggle in Cuba
All these moments share a common backdrop: the economic crisis in Cuba, which renders appliances almost unattainable for the majority. As of November 2025, 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty, with retirees earning no more than 4,500 pesos monthly—equivalent to roughly 10 dollars.
Compounding this situation is a chronic electricity crisis; by August 2025, the generation deficit reached 1,725 MW, leading to widespread blackouts that incapacitate even the few appliances that manage to reach Cuban homes.
In this landscape, the surprises from emigrated Cubans to their families are more than just affectionate gestures: they represent an informal network of solidarity that compensates for the state's neglect of an impoverished population lacking access to basic goods.
As documented by El País in April 2025, the chains of favors among Cuban expatriates—including collective fundraising to purchase appliances for vulnerable families—have become one of the island's primary survival mechanisms.
Understanding the Impact of Cuban Expatriates' Support
Why are appliances considered luxurious in Cuba?
Due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba, basic appliances are often unaffordable for the majority of the population, making them luxury items.
What is the significance of gifts from Cuban expatriates to their families?
These gifts are not just acts of love but also form an informal support network that compensates for the lack of state-provided resources.
How has the electricity crisis affected daily life in Cuba?
The chronic electricity shortages have led to prolonged blackouts, making it difficult for Cubans to use even the few appliances they possess.