A Cuban woman living in the United States, known as Lily (@lilietfuentesdela), has voiced strong criticism against the trend among some Cubans on the island to adopt American customs. These range from gender reveal parties and Halloween celebrations to using English names for businesses and children.
In a TikTok video lasting over eight minutes, Lily, who claims to have spent 30 years living in Cuba, questions what she sees as an obsession with embracing U.S. traditions without understanding their origins or meanings.
Lily believes that many Cubans have "an overwhelming need to live as if they were in the United States," a mindset that, in her opinion, leads to replicating celebrations and customs without considering their significance.
One striking example she noted was a gender reveal party in a rural area where a horse was painted blue to announce the arrival of a baby boy. "I'm convinced that they don't even know where the paint came from or whether it was safe for the horse," she commented, expressing concern for the animal's well-being.
She delivered one of her most poignant remarks: "Don't try to imitate and do something that doesn't belong to you. That's the problem with Cubans."
Lily also addressed the contradiction she perceives between the anti-American sentiment promoted for decades by the Cuban regime and the fascination many island residents have with American customs.
"The hatred they instilled in us for this country has turned into a crazy love," she stated.
Additionally, she questioned the financial and emotional investment some families make in organizing such events while dealing with economic hardships and power outages plaguing Cuba.
"After the gender reveal party, you will still be without power, still hungry, and everything will remain the same even if you've given forty-five English names," she noted sarcastically.
Her critique extended to the use of English names for children and businesses. For Lily, the issue lies not in learning about other cultures but in adopting their traditions without understanding them.
"They celebrate things and sometimes don't even know what they are celebrating because there is a culture of imitation but not of education," she asserted.
Lily highlighted that even Cubans who legally reside in the United States maintain their own traditions despite being surrounded by American customs. She specifically mentioned Thanksgiving, when many Cuban families pair the traditional turkey with pork.
Among American celebrations gaining popularity in Cuba is Halloween. On October 31, young Cubans celebrated Halloween in El Vedado, Havana, even amid prolonged blackouts, with costumes and private parties.
Gender reveal parties have also become viral moments on social media. In December 2025, a Cuban couple's attempt to reveal their baby's gender using a motorcycle exhaust to inflate a balloon ended with the balloon flying away before it could pop.
Discussions on Cuban customs and identity have also found a platform on TikTok. Months ago, the "failed as a Cuban" trend sparked a conversation about what it truly means to be Cuban and what traditions genuinely define that identity, both on and off the island.
Understanding Cuban Identity and Traditions
Why do some Cubans adopt American traditions?
Some Cubans adopt American traditions due to a fascination with U.S. culture, despite the longstanding anti-American sentiment propagated by the Cuban regime. This adoption often occurs without understanding the origins or meanings of these customs.
What are some American customs gaining popularity in Cuba?
American customs such as Halloween and gender reveal parties have become increasingly popular in Cuba. These celebrations are often embraced without a full understanding of their cultural significance.
How do some Cubans in the U.S. maintain their traditions?
Cubans residing in the U.S. often maintain their traditions by celebrating American holidays in a way that incorporates Cuban elements. For example, on Thanksgiving, they might serve traditional turkey alongside pork.