"No matter how tough the situation, no matter how tight things may get, a Cuban will always, always find a way to survive." With these words, creator Katherine Hurtado (@katyy_hurtado) succinctly captured in just 22 seconds what millions of Cubans, both on the island and abroad, consider their most defining trait. Her TikTok video, posted yesterday, quickly sparked a wave of collective pride.
Hurtado further emphasized her message with a statement that serves almost as a manifesto: "A Cuban will never remain stuck, never stay down; they will always rise and find a way forward." The video's description is straightforward: "Cubans are going to keep fighting for a long time."
This video is not an isolated incident. It's part of a broader trend on social media where Cuban creators in the diaspora share stories of resilience and triumph with pride and emotion across five continents. For instance, a Cuban truck driver in Miami, who became the family's breadwinner after her husband was deported, received thousands of reactions with her message: "My husband deported. Me: Don't worry, my love, I've got this."
Stories of Resilience Across the Globe
This pattern of resilience is mirrored in various countries and circumstances. A Cuban nurse turned manicurist in Uruguay defended her decision to emigrate with a phrase that resonated with thousands: "Uruguay gave me the opportunity for a better life." Meanwhile, a Cuban woman in the United States, facing uncertain immigration status, went viral for proclaiming: "It doesn't matter how you got here or what papers you have, what matters is not giving up."
Comments such as "Cubans are on another level" or "that's who we are" frequently appear, reinforcing a narrative of a resilient identity that spans generations and geographies under a shared cultural pride. Other creators have called for respect for Cuban identity beyond stereotypes, while stories of entrepreneurial Cuban women in Spain or Cubans defining their character with pride continue to gain followers on digital platforms.
The Wider Context of Cuban Migration
The backdrop to these reflections is Cuba's most significant migration crisis in recent history. Between 2021 and 2024, nearly 1.79 million people left the island, with the population dwindling to just 8.025 million by the end of 2024—a migration rate of -25.4 per thousand, accompanied by more deaths than births. The diaspora has spread globally: while arrivals in the United States fell by 80% in 2025 due to changes in immigration policy, Brazil nearly doubled its Cuban asylum requests.
Far from home, scattered around the world, Cubans find in videos like Hurtado's a reflection of their own experiences. "My race," as one Cuban powerfully put it, encapsulates the sentiment many feel: adversity does not define them, but how they confront it certainly does.
Understanding Cuban Resilience and Migration
What is the main theme of Katherine Hurtado's message?
Hurtado's message highlights the resilience and determination of the Cuban people to overcome adversity and continually find ways to move forward, no matter the challenges.
How have Cuban creators in the diaspora contributed to the narrative of resilience?
Cuban creators in the diaspora have documented stories of struggle and triumph, sharing them on social media to inspire and connect with others, reinforcing a resilient cultural identity.
What is the current situation of Cuban migration?
Cuba is experiencing its largest migration crisis, with a significant population decline and global redistribution of its diaspora, influenced by changes in immigration policies and opportunities in various countries.