A Cuban woman visiting her homeland unexpectedly found herself at the center of a viral TikTok video after joining in the preparation of a traditional street caldosa. However, it wasn't the family reunion or the hearty stew that caught viewers' eyes—it was the stark contrast between her gold jewelry, luxury Hermès sandals, and the crumbling street where the cooking took place.
The video, shared on Wednesday by TikTok user @karenmariaprez, who goes by "la china," features the woman stepping out of what appears to be her family home to stir a pot of caldosa. The surrounding neighborhood, visibly run-down, is typical of many Cuban areas, providing a backdrop that heightened the visual disparity.
The comments section quickly filled with reactions to the striking visuals. One user exclaimed, "Oh, those Hermès!" while another quipped, "Looks like she forgot how to stir the caldosa." Another comment humorously suggested, "Add the gold, it'll taste better," and someone else succinctly described the scene as, "When you visit Cuba for the first time."
In just a few days, the 48-second clip garnered nearly 71,000 views, over 2,200 likes, and 233 comments. It features a popular Cuban song in the background, its lyrics about Sunday cooking and neighbors visiting perfectly complementing the scene.
The Cultural Significance of Caldosa
Caldosa is a cherished dish in Cuban culture, known for its thick, hearty broth made from ingredients like yucca, sweet potato, corn, pumpkin, and taro, alongside assorted meats. Typically cooked in large pots for neighborhood gatherings, it symbolizes community and Cuban identity, often appearing in family reunion scenarios.
The Debate on Displaying Wealth
The sight of returning Cubans adorned in luxury items often sparks debate on social media. While some see it as a rightful display of success abroad, others criticize it as insensitive given Cuba's high crime rates and the stark contrast with the island's everyday hardships.
This video is part of a broader trend where Cuban expatriates document their visits back home on TikTok, prompting discussions about the disparity between their lives overseas and the conditions they encounter upon returning. Over the past two years, numerous viral clips have highlighted family reunions, street conditions, shortages, and the visitors' appearances.
It's not the first time Hermès sandals have stirred conversation. In early 2025, another Cuban woman's video featuring the same luxury footwear sparked a similar debate about opulence and life on the island.
Questions About Cuban Social Dynamics in Viral Videos
Why did the video of the Cuban woman go viral?
The video went viral due to the striking contrast between the woman's luxury items, like gold jewelry and Hermès sandals, and the deteriorated street where the caldosa was being cooked.
What is caldosa, and why is it significant in Cuban culture?
Caldosa is a thick Cuban stew made with root vegetables and meats, cooked in large pots during community gatherings. It represents unity and Cuban identity, often associated with family reunions.
What are the main criticisms of displaying wealth in Cuba?
Critics argue that flaunting wealth in Cuba is inappropriate due to the country's high rates of theft and the visible discrepancy between returning expatriates' luxury items and the economic hardships faced by residents.