A TikTok video by user Proteston 2.0 has quickly become a viral sensation among the Cuban community on social media. The clip humorously showcases how Cubans can be identified at airports as they prepare to board flights to Cuba, using the island's unique slang.
Released at the end of June, the one-minute and 25-second video has garnered over 122,000 views, approximately 3,300 likes, and nearly 2,900 shares, making it a significant piece of content within the Cuban diaspora on the platform.
In the video, the creator humorously narrates as he captures passengers in the boarding area on camera. He amusingly points out their large Invicta watches—referred to in Cuban slang as "el invista" or "el relojón"—as the most conspicuous accessory, along with flashy outfits and small bags.
"Where's this look coming from and going to? Look at that big watch," the creator comments, focusing on one of the travelers.
At another point in the clip, upon identifying a passenger bound for Camagüey, he exclaims: "The invista knows where it's headed, Camagüey, 'palestino.'"
The term "palestino" has been used in Cuban slang for decades to derogatorily describe people from eastern Cuba. The Cuban Spanish Dictionary (2000) formally defines it as "an inhabitant from the interior, especially from the eastern part of Cuba, who moves to Havana."
The video wraps up with a statement that sums up its tone: "They're all easy to recognize."
The Invicta watch, an American brand known for its affordable price and bulky design, has become a recognizable status symbol among the Cuban diaspora, particularly for those traveling to the island. It serves as a visible sign of prosperity abroad.
Such content is part of a well-established trend on TikTok, where Cubans in the diaspora engage in self-deprecating humor tied to their cultural identity. In September 2025, a group of Cubans organized a casino dance circle in an airport arrival hall, which quickly went viral.
In February 2025, travelers bound for Cuba turned a delay into a casino dance circle at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Airport, and in November 2024, another clip featured Cubans wrapping their luggage in plastic at an airport, sparking thousands of reactions.
Beneath the humor lies a harsh reality: the chronic shortage of basic goods in Cuba compels those traveling to the island to pack their suitcases to the brim with clothes, food, medicine, and hygiene items. This results in a distinctive appearance that the Cuban community has turned into comedic material.
In January of this year, a Cuban woman humorously mocked the "show" some compatriots put on when preparing for their trips, mentioning everything from "buying Versace suitcases" to renting a car for the occasion.
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora's Airport Culture
Why are Invicta watches popular among Cubans?
Invicta watches are seen as a status symbol among Cubans, especially due to their affordable price and bulky design, which makes them stand out. They are particularly popular among those traveling to Cuba, serving as a visible sign of prosperity abroad.
What does the term "palestino" mean in Cuban slang?
In Cuban slang, "palestino" is a derogatory term used to refer to people from the eastern part of Cuba. It implies someone from the interior regions, especially those moving to Havana.
How do Cubans use humor to cope with travel realities?
Cubans often use humor to address the challenges of traveling, particularly the need to carry an abundance of goods due to shortages in Cuba. This humor manifests in viral videos and content that highlight their distinctive travel habits and cultural identity.