Oriannis, a Cuban woman living in Jacksonville, Florida, has ignited a firestorm on TikTok with a video that has been trending for days. Boldly questioning the real reasons many Cubans travel to the island, she argues that the claim "I'm going for my family" is often nothing more than a story few believe. In her message, she excuses only those with children or parents in Cuba, telling others to stop pretending and acknowledge that their visits are driven by other motives.
"You're not going to Cuba to see your family," Oriannis asserts in her candid rant. She goes further, criticizing extravagant spending on gifts, the use of rented cars, and the air of superiority some Cubans adopt upon arriving in the country. "Here, we are just regular workers, but over there, they treat you like a god, and that's what you all enjoy," she declared. She emphasized that the small items brought to family members don't truly address their issues: "A bar of soap, a pair of underwear, and some socks solve nothing."
The video has divided social media. Some commend her for expressing what many think but don't dare to say. "You're absolutely right; most go to Cuba to show off, not to see family," one user commented. Another added, "Here, they're nobodies, but over there, they act like millionaires." Nonetheless, criticism also poured in, with numerous users defending their right to spend their money as they see fit. "Everyone does what they want with their money," they responded. Some even accused Oriannis of being envious or too concerned with others' lives.
Among the most controversial comments, some touched on sensitive topics like sex tourism and the hypocrisy of those who criticize the Cuban system but end up supporting the regime through their travels. "Many go just to find young girls, and they don't even visit their family," one user claimed. Another went further: "Eighty percent go to Cuba to flaunt and find women because no one notices them here."
This isn't the first time such a topic has gone viral. A few months ago, another Cuban in the United States lashed out on social media against those who visit the island more to play the big shot than to spend time with their loved ones. It's clear that these types of videos always strike a nerve, especially within the Cuban community abroad, where the debate over travel to Cuba never goes unnoticed.
Understanding the Debate on Cuban Travel
Why do some Cubans in the U.S. travel to Cuba?
Some claim to visit for family reasons, but others suggest that motivations include flaunting wealth, engaging in tourism activities, or seeking romantic encounters.
What criticisms did Oriannis face for her video?
Oriannis faced backlash for allegedly being envious and overly concerned with how others spend their money, while some accused her of not understanding personal motivations.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the video?
The video has polarized opinions, with some supporting Oriannis for speaking out, while others defend their right to spend their money as they wish.