A Cuban woman living in Curitiba, Brazil, has become the center of attention with a video that has gone viral among the Cuban community. In the video, she sarcastically addresses those who claim they are stressed in Brazil and consider returning to the Island.
Wendy Lopez Fumero shared a brief 19-second clip on Facebook that has garnered over 113,000 views. Her message is straightforward: "Sometimes you feel nostalgic and want to go back to Cuba, my dear... Well, come, let me refresh your memory about why you left."
In the video, Wendy displays a package containing a piece of meat and a bottle of oil—basic food items that are either scarce or extremely expensive in Cuba. She also shows a faucet with running water—a vital resource often lacking on the Island—along with a basket of toiletries and several boxes appearing to be online purchases.
"You live free," she declares at the end.
The video taps into a shared experience familiar to many Cuban emigrants: the migration grief and nostalgia that sometimes lead to an idealized view of the Island, overshadowing the conditions that initially drove them to leave.
Curitiba: A Popular Destination for Cuban Migrants
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state, stands out as a favored destination for Cubans in Brazil. By August 2025, the Facebook group "Cubans in Curitiba" had exceeded 45,000 members. Impressively, 93% of the asylum requests in the city during the first quarter of the year were from Cuban nationals.
Nationwide, Cuban migration to Brazil reached record levels with 41,919 asylum requests in 2025, marking an 88% increase from the previous year. Since the beginning of that year, Cubans have surpassed Venezuelans as the largest group seeking asylum in Brazil.
Challenges of Adapting to Life in Brazil
Adapting to life in Brazil is not without hurdles. Emigrants often face language barriers with Portuguese, take jobs below their qualifications, and struggle with economic stress and isolation. One Cuban woman, who has been in Brazil for nearly four years, posted reels in September debunking the romanticized image many of her compatriots hold.
"People think it's a breeze here because the power doesn't go out and there's food," she clarified, adding that "life here comes with its own set of hardships."
Other Cubans in Brazil emphasize the real challenges of relocating to the South American country. In April, two women offered advice to prospective emigrants about the personal qualities required for the move.
"If you're used to not working in Cuba, don't come. If you're used to being supported, don't come. And if you're especially not used to fighting for what you want, don't come," they assert in the video.
Understanding Cuban Migration to Brazil
Why is Curitiba a popular destination for Cuban migrants?
Curitiba is favored by Cuban migrants due to its welcoming community and the presence of a large Cuban population, as evidenced by the "Cubans in Curitiba" Facebook group with over 45,000 members.
What are some challenges faced by Cuban migrants in Brazil?
Cuban migrants in Brazil often encounter language barriers, employment below their qualifications, economic stress, and a sense of isolation.
How has Cuban migration to Brazil changed in recent years?
Cuban migration to Brazil has significantly increased, with 41,919 asylum requests in 2025, an 88% rise compared to the previous year, making Cubans the largest group of asylum seekers in the country.