On Sunday, June 21, a Cuban woman known on TikTok as Norelys (@aitanaeitana24) shared a heartfelt video capturing the moment she reunited with her family in Cuba. Her relatives eagerly awaited her arrival on a street, greeting her with enthusiastic hugs.
"Finally, my moment has come," Norelys wrote in the description of the 39-second video, which showcases the touching scene of her being embraced by her loved ones.
The background music, "Cuba, isla bella," features Orishas along with Gente de Zona, Leoni Torres, Isaac Delgado, Buena Fe, Descemer Bueno, and Laritza Bacallao. The song's lyrics seem tailor-made for this reunion: "My heart is weary, it needs to be wound / My soul requires a transfusion, the blood of my homeland / Returning to the cradle where I was born."
Choosing this song is no accident; it encapsulates the emotions of countless Cubans who have been separated from their homeland and families for years.
Norelys's video is part of a growing trend on TikTok, where Cuban emigrants document their emotional family reunions, resonating deeply with the entire diaspora.
In recent weeks, similar stories have surfaced: one woman returned unexpectedly after seven years apart from her cousin, another nearly sprinted from her car upon arriving home, and on June 23, yet another Cuban experienced a tearful reunion after four years away.
These videos tell tales of forced migration: between 2021 and 2024, over 1.79 million Cubans fled the island due to economic turmoil, persistent power outages, shortages of food and medicine, and political repression from the regime.
This demographic exodus has resulted in 38% of Cuban households having at least one member living abroad, making family separation a norm for millions.
Returning is no easy feat: airfare exceeds $1,000, and in 2025, only 228,091 emigrants visited Cuba—a decrease of over 66,000 from the previous year.
This scarcity of homecomings means that each reunion, like Norelys's street-side welcome, carries the weight of lost time.
"Back to the refuge that soothes the pain / Returning to the memory of first love / Who I was, who I am, and who I'll be for my beautiful island," concludes the song chosen to accompany this moment, which for Norelys and those who witnessed her arrival, spoke volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Family Reunions
Why are so many Cubans documenting their reunions on TikTok?
These videos offer a powerful way to share the emotional experience of reuniting with family after long periods apart, resonating with the Cuban diaspora and highlighting the impact of forced migration.
What challenges do Cubans face when trying to return home?
Returning to Cuba involves costly airfare, often exceeding $1,000, and logistical challenges, as well as navigating the country's ongoing economic and political issues.
How has the Cuban diaspora grown in recent years?
Between 2021 and 2024, over 1.79 million Cubans have left the island, driven by economic instability, shortages, and political repression, resulting in significant family separations.