A Cuban content creator known as @keki_mami has touched the hearts of thousands of followers after sharing on Instagram the poignant moment of her first shopping trip in Brazil. Spending a thousand reais—approximately 200 dollars—filled her cart with groceries but also left her with a heavy heart as she thought about those still in Cuba.
In early August, this young mother relocated to Brazil with her young daughter, driven by the desire to improve her child's well-being. Since then, she has been chronicling her adaptation journey on social media.
"Seeing everything I could bring home filled me with immense happiness. Yet, a lump formed in my throat because I couldn't help but think about Cuba," she expressed in the video, which garnered over 22,000 likes and 218 comments.
Comparing the Experiences in Cuba and Brazil
The stark contrast with the island became apparent with the very first item she placed in her cart: "With 200 dollars, you can't make a purchase like this for a month in Cuba. It's not just about the price; many of these products aren't even available there, and certainly not with this variety and quality."
She joyfully described opening a fully stocked refrigerator, buying groceries that once seemed like luxuries, and being able to provide them to her daughter. However, this joy was interwoven with pain: "It hurts to think that while I'm experiencing this, thousands of Cubans are still juggling to secure the basics."
The Emotional Toll of a Simple Shopping Trip
The act of filling her cart became an emotional recollection: "With each item I added, I couldn't stop thinking about how much effort, money, and countless trips it would take in Cuba to get all of this. That realization hits the hardest."
In another post detailing her first day in their new apartment, @keki_mami showcased her rented home, priced at 1,900 reais per month—plus a 1,900 initial deposit. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment was completely unfurnished. With the support of her mother and brother, she gradually added second-hand essentials like a refrigerator, washing machine, gas stove, and a bed with a mattress.
Her story is part of a broader narrative among Cuban emigrants, documented alongside other compatriots in Brazil, highlighting the emotional shock of encountering abundance where scarcity once reigned.
Brazil as a Key Destination for Cuban Migrants
Brazil has emerged as the primary migration destination for Cubans in Latin America. In 2025, over 41,900 asylum applications were recorded—an increase of 88.1% compared to 2024—according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Understanding the Cuban Migration to Brazil
Why did @keki_mami move to Brazil?
@keki_mami moved to Brazil in search of better living conditions for her daughter and to escape the hardships in Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Brazil?
Cuban migrants in Brazil often face emotional challenges as they adjust to a new life, balancing the joy of abundance with memories of scarcity in Cuba.
How has Brazilian immigration changed for Cubans?
Brazil has become a major destination for Cuban migrants, with asylum applications dramatically increasing in recent years.