A Cuban TikTok sensation, known online as "la china" (@karenmariaprez), recently shared a video that turns the mundane task of packing into an emotional tribute to her homeland. The clip, set to the poignant tune "11 de julio" by El Chacal, a song deeply resonant with the Cuban exile community, captures her preparations to visit Cuba.
Released on August 22, the video lasts one minute and 15 seconds, showcasing the packing process and marked by hashtags like #reunion, #familyreunion, #luggage, and #triptoCuba.
As the TikToker meticulously arranges her belongings, the song's lyrics fill the air with lines such as "It's 90 miles, I see it so close but yet so far" and "How it hurts, Cuba, you're dying on me," culminating in the chorus "Free, I want you free, I love you, Cuba."
The choice of soundtrack is deliberate, transforming a simple luggage video into a statement of identity, longing, and a political awareness of the island's current plight.
Documenting the Journey
This isn't Karen María's first time capturing such preparations. In December 2025, she shared a similar video showing a spread of essentials on the floor: food, toiletries, medicines, supplements, sweets, and gifts for her family in Cuba.
This phenomenon is part of a viral trend on TikTok since 2024, which has gained momentum over the past two years. Cubans abroad, especially in the United States, document their packing rituals filled with emotion, stress, and family solidarity.
Humanitarian Luggage
Amidst Cuba's severe shortages of food, medicines, and basic goods, these suitcases become lifelines for those left behind on the island.
In August 2025, another Cuban in the U.S. detailed her purchases for a trip back, and in October, a third shared a video of buying over $100 worth of yogurts and baby food, which also went viral.
The most common items packed by the Cuban diaspora include non-perishable food, medications, personal hygiene products, and gifts for loved ones.
The Emotional Reunions
Family reunions are also a prevailing theme on TikTok. A recent video capturing a young woman's emotional return to Cuba after years apart touched thousands of viewers, highlighting the massive Cuban emigration in recent years and the emotional toll of separation on families.
Understanding the Cuban Exile Experience
Why do Cuban expatriates document their packing process?
Cuban expatriates often document their packing as a way to share the emotional and logistical aspects of preparing for a trip home, highlighting the significance of the items they bring as symbols of support and love for their families on the island.
What challenges do Cubans face that make these trips significant?
Cubans face significant shortages of essential goods, making the supplies brought by expatriates crucial. These trips are not just personal visits; they are acts of humanitarian aid due to the island's economic hardship.