Despite the passing of years and changing countries, certain Cuban traditions seem impossible to let go of. Claudia Gómez, a Cuban living in Italy for two years, has illustrated this by sharing her cleaning habits on TikTok, habits she still clings to as if she were on the island.
In an amusing video posted on her TikTok account (@claudia.gmez.velz), Claudia demonstrates that when it's time to clean her home, certain things are non-negotiable: her hair tied up, furniture moved, a bucket of water, a mop, a cleaning cloth, and, naturally, music.
"Even after two years in Italy, I still move all the furniture around to clean," she says, showcasing her unique domestic routine.
Although she has a vacuum cleaner at her disposal, Claudia admits that she hasn't completely replaced the cleaning methods she learned in Cuba.
"I use the vacuum from time to time, but at least once a week, I clean with water, a mop, and a cleaning cloth," she details in her post's description.
Another tradition she holds dear is walking barefoot on freshly scrubbed floors, a sensation she considers a crucial part of the cleaning process.
"After cleaning, I walk barefoot with the floor clean; every Cuban woman will understand," she says with a laugh.
No cleaning session is complete for Claudia without the right music selection. Not just any music, but tracks that bring back memories from her years in Cuba.
"I still play music while I clean. Old reggaeton, of course. From school days," she adds.
Claudia isn't the only Cuban in Italy who cherishes these traditions. Recently, Bia Martínez, a resident for 25 years, confessed that she misses cleaning barefoot and using water.
Similarly, another Cuban known online as Mariencita (@yaidleicita) shared five Cuban customs she refuses to give up despite living in Italy, including cleaning the house with music playing.
For Claudia, cleaning in the Cuban style isn't a chore but a delightful practice that keeps a piece of her heritage alive.
"It's incredibly satisfying to clean like this, with water, a mop, and a cleaning cloth," she wrote alongside the video.
Understanding Cuban Cleaning Traditions in Italy
Why does Claudia maintain her Cuban cleaning habits in Italy?
Claudia maintains her Cuban cleaning habits as a way to preserve her cultural roots and because she finds it satisfying.
What are some key elements of Claudia's cleaning routine?
Key elements include moving furniture, using water, a mop, a cleaning cloth, and playing music reminiscent of her time in Cuba.
How does Claudia feel about using modern cleaning tools like a vacuum?
Claudia uses a vacuum occasionally but prefers traditional Cuban methods at least once a week.