A Cuban-American living in the United States took to TikTok to vent his frustrations after a trip to Hialeah, a city in southern Florida with a significant Cuban population. His experience there did not amuse him: roosters and chickens roaming the streets, challenging driving conditions, and areas flooded from rain.
The individual, who shared his story in a video on TikTok under the handle @cubanito_leunam8810, made it clear from the start that Hialeah is far from his favorite place.
"I can't stand this Hialeah. Apologies to those who like it, but I have nothing to do with Hialeah in any way; I don't like it," he candidly stated.
He explained that he had only traveled to the city to take care of a personal matter, but the experience quickly turned into a source of complaint.
"I came by chance to run an errand, and let me tell you, I can't even drive in Hialeah. That should tell you everything—the streets are incredibly complicated," he lamented.
What caught his attention the most was seeing roosters and chickens calmly walking around the streets, a scene he likened to rural life.
"Roosters scattered on every corner, loose chickens, it's like being on a farm, in the countryside," he noted, visibly taken aback by the scene.
Adding to his criticisms were the frequent floods he described, which occur whenever it rains.
"A few drops fall, and it's a flowing river," he complained, mentioning that the water "just ruins all the cars."
Flooding is indeed one of the challenges faced by various parts of Hialeah. Recently, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties following several bouts of heavy rain in southern Florida.
The Cuban-American's video garnered over 29,000 views, 899 likes, and hundreds of comments, capturing the attention of many TikTok users.
Hialeah, well-known for its large Cuban community, has been the subject of other lighthearted social media posts. In December 2024, for instance, a group of Cubans amused internet users with a parody about "a typical day in Hialeah," depicting everyday situations in the city.
This time, the video's creator didn't need to craft any parody; merely recounting what he encountered during his visit was enough to make it clear that, at least for now, Hialeah hasn't won him over.
Understanding Hialeah's Challenges
Why are there so many chickens and roosters in Hialeah?
The presence of chickens and roosters in Hialeah is often attributed to the city's cultural and historical ties to rural Cuban life, where such animals are commonplace.
What causes the frequent flooding in Hialeah?
Hialeah experiences flooding due to its low-lying geography, poor drainage systems, and heavy rains, which are common in southern Florida.
Is Hialeah a difficult place to drive?
Many people find driving in Hialeah challenging due to its complex road layouts and frequent traffic congestion.