A young Cuban influencer on TikTok, known as Dayi (@dayi35218), joyously announced the purchase of her first car in Brazil on Monday. This achievement comes just four months after she relocated to the country and reached 300,000 followers on the platform. The announcement was made in a heartfelt video recorded in the rain, showcasing her excitement.
"I've been in Brazil for four months now, and thanks to the interaction from my previous video and all the followers who joined, I've reached about 300,000 followers. Look at this, my car," Dayi exclaimed in the clip, unable to hide her happiness.
The content creator attributes her digital success to a viral video that significantly boosted her follower count in a short period.
"It's unbelievable. I've achieved one of the biggest dreams I've always had, and I hope this community continues to grow," she shared enthusiastically.
Towards the end of the video, Dayi teased her followers with a promise to reveal more once she got home, sparking curiosity among her audience. Her post was accompanied by hashtags such as #NewCar.
"I'm incredibly grateful. Yes, it's possible, folks, it really is," she declared, resonating with her followers as a symbol of immigrant success.
The Rise of Cuban Communities in Brazil
Dayi's story is part of a larger trend of Cubans migrating to Brazil and building digital communities from abroad. They use TikTok to document their daily lives, challenges, and achievements. Another Cuban influencer, @anitalacubana7, summed up Brazil's appeal in May 2026 with a viral remark: "Brazil is like Cuba but with lights, water, and food."
Brazil has emerged as a top migration destination for Cubans. In 2025, Cubans surpassed Venezuelans as the nationality with the most asylum requests in Brazil, totaling 41,919 applications—a rise of 88.1% compared to 2024, according to data released in June 2026 by Brazilian media outlet G1.
Estimates suggest that between 100,000 and 150,000 Cubans currently reside in Brazil, with Curitiba and São Paulo being the most popular destinations. The most common migration route involves traveling through Guyana and French Guiana—countries that do not require visas from Cubans—to enter Brazil via the state of Roraima.
In May 2026, many Cubans redirected their migration paths to Brazil due to the closure of legal migration routes to the United States under the Trump administration, further accelerating the growth of the Cuban community in Brazil.
Another example is Alfredo Castellanos JR, a Cuban known for his resemblance to Bad Bunny, who reunited with his parents in Brazil. His story, like Dayi's, has been amplified by social media.
Dayi's video garnered 12,200 views, 647 likes, and 116 comments in just a few days, with supportive messages from a community that has been following her journey since her arrival in Brazil.
Understanding Cuban Migration to Brazil
Why are Cubans choosing Brazil as a migration destination?
Cubans are increasingly migrating to Brazil due to its welcoming environment and the opportunities available. Additionally, changes in U.S. immigration policies have led many Cubans to seek alternatives in countries like Brazil.
What impact does social media have on Cuban migrants in Brazil?
Social media platforms like TikTok have enabled Cuban migrants to share their experiences, connect with others, and build supportive communities. These platforms amplify their stories and help them document their journey and achievements.