Content creator Kuki Acea, a Cuban living in Spain, has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok with a video that uses a blend of sarcasm and irony to depict a situation all too familiar to many Cuban emigrants: the unrealistic expectations of their family members back on the island when they hear about a visit.
In the video, which lasts just over two minutes, Kuki Acea—a Cuban who has previously sent messages to her compatriots in Cuba, often criticizing the ingratitude of some—portrays a hypothetical phone conversation with her cousin. Upon learning of Kuki's upcoming trip to Cuba, the cousin quickly bombards her with requests.
The cousin's requests range from phones and hair extensions to sneakers and items for a friend's daughter. In a satirical tone, Kuki asserts that she will bring "a package for everyone" and travel "with 12 suitcases," cleverly commenting on the mistaken belief that "money falls from the sky" abroad.
The video has resonated with many users, garnering hundreds of comments from those who identify with the depicted situation: "It's a torment to go to Cuba; everyone is on top of you"; "I'd share this on Facebook, but my entire family would stop talking to me"; "You laugh, but it's true"; "That's exactly how it is; I don't announce when I arrive, I bring what I can, and that's it"; "People who never were around suddenly appear"; "This is why many of us lose the desire to go"; "Literally, old friends you haven't seen in years resurface"; "They think we're millionaires"; "Some days of the week, money rains down, and we use it to buy things for the family"; "This is why many of us lose the desire to visit."
Many users shared similar experiences, saying they prefer not to announce their trips to Cuba to avoid the endless requests and instead decide what they can bring. Others highlighted the high demand for branded items, "original, not the Chinese stuff," demonstrating the elevated expectations emigrants often face.
While most comments reflect the humor of the situation, it's not hard to see the underlying frustration in these shared experiences, which seem common among many Cubans who have emigrated to other countries.
The scenario Kuki Acea satirizes in her video is a frequent topic of debate on social media among Cubans abroad, who often feel pressured by family and friends to bring gifts or hard-to-find items in Cuba.
Have you experienced something similar when returning to Cuba? Leave us your comment!
Common Issues Faced by Cuban Emigrants
Many Cuban emigrants encounter similar challenges when visiting family back home. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers on this topic.
What kinds of items do family members in Cuba often request from relatives abroad?
Family members in Cuba frequently request items such as phones, clothing, shoes, hair extensions, and branded products that are hard to find on the island.
Why do Cuban emigrants find it stressful to visit their homeland?
Cuban emigrants often find it stressful to visit their homeland due to the overwhelming requests from family and friends for gifts and items that are difficult to obtain in Cuba.
How do emigrants typically handle the pressure of these requests?
Many emigrants choose not to announce their trips in advance to avoid the barrage of requests and prefer to bring what they can manage without feeling overwhelmed.