A Miami-based Cuban mother shared on TikTok her young son's inaugural trip to Cuba, capturing an emotional and unfiltered glimpse of introducing a child raised in the U.S. to his heritage on the island.
Aleana Torres (@aleanatorres5) uploaded a one-minute and 47-second video on Wednesday, humorously and emotionally recounting the six days she and her son Keyler, a Miami native, spent in Cuba.
The story begins on the plane, with Keyler sleeping through the entire flight, only to be greeted by Cuba's reality: "As soon as we landed, the power was out. We were waiting for our luggage, and he was already using his little fan," Aleana narrates in the clip.
Rather than being an issue, the blackout was just the first of many Cuban experiences that Keyler accepted with ease. "Forget about the roads; that's how all of Cuba is, but he was super chill," the mother reflects, summarizing her son's laid-back attitude toward the island's visible decay.
Family Reunions and New Adventures
Aleana highlights family reunions as a key part of the trip: the grandfather took him on outings, the older sister accompanied him everywhere, and a cousin played a significant role. "This is my cousin, and she was his mom for the six days we spent in Cuba. She never let him go," Aleana shares.
During the visit, Keyler also experienced the ocean for the first time. "I had never taken him to the beach before, so I decided to do it in Cuba. He had three consecutive swims and loved it," Aleana explains, describing her son as someone who "seems like a big kid who's always been there."
Embracing Cuban Culture
The trip wouldn't have been complete without quintessential Cuban moments: a swarm of flies left by the garbage collection fascinated Keyler, who amused himself by swatting them while adults laughed.
At the video's conclusion, Aleana reflects on the heart of the experience: "What I enjoyed most about this trip to Cuba was that he could be surrounded by his entire family, his cousins, and everyone, allowing him to live this experience."
The video is part of a viral trend among Cuban expatriates documenting their children's first visit to the island to connect them with their cultural roots and family. In July 2026, Ismery Salazar took her 15-month-old daughter to Cuba, and her video garnered over 26,400 views. Meanwhile, some mothers unable to travel due to immigration status send their children with trusted relatives.
The return to Miami saw Keyler "hyped up," but Aleana had no doubts about the outcome: "It was a fantastic trip, honestly. I loved it, loved that he lived this experience."
In the video's description, Aleana left a message encapsulating the trip's essence: "One day, Keyler will watch these videos and know how special this journey was for his mom."
Exploring First Trips to Cuba for Cuban-Americans
Why do Cuban expatriates often document their children's first trips to Cuba?
Cuban expatriates frequently document these trips to help their children connect with their cultural roots and family, creating a lasting memory of their heritage.
What was a highlight of Keyler's first trip to Cuba?
A significant highlight for Keyler was experiencing the ocean for the first time, which he thoroughly enjoyed, along with being surrounded by his extended family.
How did Keyler's mother feel about the trip?
Aleana, Keyler's mother, felt that the trip was fantastic and was thrilled that her son could connect with his family and Cuban culture.