Is It Too Early? Cubans Already Anticipating the 2025 'Letter of the Year,' According to This Influencer

A TikTok video has sparked interest across social media by highlighting a topic that has become an annual tradition for many Cubans: the anticipation of the "Letter of the Year." The video, created by content creator @yanetladificil, underscores the significance of this religious ritual in the cultural and spiritual lives of Cubans.

In the clip, which quickly garnered thousands of views and comments, Yanet humorously points out how Cubans are already setting their sights on the upcoming year, even as the 2024 Letter remains in effect. "A true Cuban is already thinking about the 2025 Letter of the Year," she jokes, illustrating the importance this tradition holds for personal identity and decision-making on the island.

The Letter of the Year, issued every December 31st or January 1st by the Yoruba Association of Cuba and other independent religious groups, serves as a spiritual guide, combining prophecies, recommendations, and warnings for the year ahead. This document, rooted in the signs of the Yoruba religion, is consulted by both believers and non-believers and has grown into a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond religious borders.

For many, this tradition is a tool for reflection and a reason for family gatherings. It also sparks debates over the authenticity and differences between the various versions of the Letter issued by religious groups both within and outside of Cuba.

Yanet La Difícil's video elicited mixed reactions. While some users laughed and shared the post as a humorous reflection of Cuban idiosyncrasy, others took the opportunity to question the Letter's relevance in today's society. "It's a tradition, but you shouldn't take it too seriously," one TikTok user commented. Another, however, defended its importance, stating, "The Letter is part of our identity; it gives us strength to face the year."

The video's viral status demonstrates how this custom continues to serve as a meeting point—and sometimes a point of contention—between different generations and perspectives within the Cuban community. Although the 2025 Letter of the Year is more than a year away from being unveiled, the Cuban interest is a reminder of the power of traditions to offer hope and guidance amid uncertainty.

For now, it's clear that the Letter of the Year is not just a religious document but also a cultural phenomenon that remains relevant, adapting and sparking debates in a country undergoing constant change.