Carlos Sanz, a Cuban expatriate known by his TikTok handle @carlosanz1317, has touched the hearts of thousands with a video he shared on Sunday. In this clip, he captures the emotional moment when he presents his father in Cuba with a car, fulfilling a long-held dream.
The 57-second video features a quintessential Cuban backdrop—blue skies, lush trees, and electrical wires—with a yellow box overlaying the text: "Fulfilling my dream of giving my dad a car in Cuba." Accompanying the visuals is a Christian song that encourages prayer even in times of fear or tears, emphasizing that "heaven hears broken hearts."
This spiritual undertone is intentional, as Sanz also shared an inspiring quote on his stories: "Helping those who have given us everything is the greatest act of gratitude," highlighting the emotional and familial depth of his act.
Within less than a day, the video garnered 23,500 views, 2,025 likes, and 141 comments, underscoring the symbolic significance of gifting a car in Cuba.
The Reality of Car Ownership in Cuba
Owning a car in Cuba is a luxury beyond the reach of most. Basic models start at 13,000 euros, while SUVs and electric vehicles can exceed 54,000 euros—figures that starkly contrast with the meager state salaries, which are just a few dollars monthly.
Additionally, private car imports are subject to tariffs, commercial margins, and taxes that can inflate the final cost by up to 60% over the original price. Moreover, since the 2024 Decree 119 by the Council of Ministers, any vehicle transaction between individuals must be notarized and settled through a bank.
A Growing Trend Among Cuban Expatriates
Sanz's generous act is part of a broader trend among the Cuban diaspora on TikTok. Earlier this year, a Cuban man astounded his mother with a car during a video call, and in June, a husband in the U.S. gifted a car to his wife, a gesture that amassed over 42,400 views.
This phenomenon isn't new. Back in November 2025, influencer Flor de Cuba sent a car to her family in Cuba from the U.S., and in June of the same year, a Cuban woman fulfilled her father's lifelong dream by gifting him a truck.
For Cubans abroad, these videos symbolize more than a material gift; they represent the tangible outcome of their sacrifices and the enduring filial love that transcends distance and the hardships imposed by Cuba's communist regime.
Understanding the Challenges of Car Ownership in Cuba
Why is owning a car in Cuba considered a luxury?
In Cuba, the high cost of cars, starting from 13,000 euros for basic models, makes them unaffordable for most citizens, whose salaries are extremely low. Additionally, private car imports face significant taxes and fees, further increasing their cost.
What regulations affect vehicle transactions in Cuba?
Since 2024, Decree 119 mandates that any vehicle transaction between individuals must be formalized through a notary and payments must be processed via bank transactions, adding bureaucratic hurdles to car ownership.