A Cuban TikToker known as Belo (@elcaminodelbelo) recently shared a nearly two-minute video, using humor and candor to outline four things that newly arrived Cubans in Spain should avoid to stay true to their roots.
Belo begins with, "Here's a list of things you shouldn't do as a Cuban in Spain," and clarifies in the video's description, "I will always offer advice to my people whenever I can."
Adopting Local Lingo Too Quickly
The first piece of advice tackles the language issue. Belo finds it frustrating when newcomers, after just a month or two in Spain, start adopting the local vernacular. "If you've just arrived, why are you saying 'vale'? Why are you saying 'joder'? Why do you say 'tío'? Why do you say 'ay, como me mola eso'? You don't 'mola' anything. You like it," he quips.
Dressing for Success
The second tip addresses clothing, with Belo offering empathy rather than criticism. "I know it's tough in Cuba when it comes to clothing because there's nothing available there. But if you've made it out, coordinate a little," he advises.
He suggests a simple solution: "Spend 30 bucks on some clothes, get coordinated, look good. You can't walk around downtown Madrid all squeezed into your clothes because that's not how it's done, my friend."
Avoiding Culinary Pretense
The third point dismantles a common pose among newcomers: boasting about eating paella. "Since when have you eaten seafood paella with prawns? You go to a Chinese place, buy a little pot of rice, make your white rice, and eat it with your things," he observes, repeating the question thrice for emphasis: "Paella? When have you eaten paella? When? When?"
Coffee Culture Critique
The fourth suggestion, which Belo admits is his favorite, centers around coffee. He critiques those who order oat milk lattes or soy lattes with sweeteners, options unimaginable in Cuba: "In Cuba, you'd have a small espresso without sugar. Why are you getting so fancy with your coffee here? Be honest, tell me."
This video adds to a well-established genre on social media where Cubans share their experiences adapting to life in Spain, often focusing on the cultural shock involving language, food, and customs.
This cultural adjustment occurs against a backdrop of mass emigration. According to Spain's National Statistics Institute, by the end of 2024, there were 252,290 Cuban nationals living in Spain, up from approximately 162,000 in 2020. This growth has been driven by the economic crisis, power outages, and chronic shortages on the island.
Linguistic adaptation—adopting local words or expressions—is a natural process for any migrant, but when it happens too quickly, it can be perceived as inauthentic, which is precisely what Belo criticizes.
Other Cuban immigrants in Spain have pointed out that maintaining a Cuban accent also has its downsides. Some have reported that calls about renting apartments "go cold" as soon as the other person hears their accent.
Adapting to Life in Spain as a Cuban
Why is fast adoption of Spanish slang seen negatively?
Quickly adopting local slang can be perceived as inauthentic or as an attempt to fit in too rapidly, which might not reflect one's true cultural identity.
What challenges do Cubans face when maintaining their accent in Spain?
Maintaining a Cuban accent can lead to biases, such as difficulties in securing housing, as some report that calls go unanswered once their accent is detected.