Content creator @dr.aloma took to TikTok last Sunday to share a video that humorously outlines four compelling reasons why a Cuban should never be absent from any party, be it a casual get-together or a neighborhood event.
The one-minute and 21-second clip kicks off with a cheeky warning: "As soon as you arrive, you know you're going to get bored because the conversation will always revolve around 'I was, I had, I have in Cuba, I have no need to be here, I had more at home'."
This leads to the first reason: in any social gathering, a Cuban transforms the discussion into a nostalgic recounting of everything left behind on the island.
The Dance Floor Transformation
The second reason focuses on the dance floor. According to @dr.aloma, when the music shifts to a Cuban beat, Cubans undergo a complete transformation: "We don't even understand our own songs, but the rhythm must be embraced," she says, likening the frenzy to "an Elegua with Dollar Tree sweets."
Alcohol and the Cuban Spirit
The third reason delves into the Cuban relationship with alcohol. The creator humorously notes that, being accustomed to "bad drinks" all their lives, a Corona, Merlot, or Moscato is enough to make their heads spin, risking an impromptu "boxing ring" at the party.
The Ubiquitous Cacharra
Perhaps the most relatable reason for any Cuban living abroad is the appearance of a "cacharra." "@dr.aloma describes how, unbeknownst to anyone, a plastic container emerges from a sock, pocket, or shoe, along with a quartz bag, under the classic pretense of asking to take something home 'for the dog, poor thing, it's alone at home'."
The video concludes with a playful twist on a popular saying: "A cautious Cuban is worth a quartz bag."
This content taps into the tradition of Cuban humor known as "choteo," a self-critical and irreverent style that is a defining trait of Cuba's cultural identity, which has found a significant platform on TikTok among the diaspora.
It's not the first time such content has resonated widely on social media. On April 17, a Cuban woman in Spain shared a viral video about habits that reveal her as Latina—such as eating rice daily and reusing containers—which garnered over 127,000 views in just 24 hours.
On April 24, TikToker @jucyvaldez sparked a debate in Miami by challenging stereotypes about Cuban identity, marking an especially active week for Cuban humor online.
Symbols like the "cacharra" and the "quartz bag" aren't just jokes; they represent the culture of scarcity and ingenuity that millions of Cubans carry with them in emigration, defining what it means to be Cuban far beyond the island.
In November 2025, another viral video featured a Cuban woman pouring water on two young people sleeping on her porch after a night of excess, continuing the humorous exploration of Cuban celebrations that @dr.aloma revisits with her list of reasons why a Cuban should never be left off the guest list.
Understanding Cuban Party Culture: FAQs
Why is humor such a significant part of Cuban culture?
Humor, often referred to as "choteo," is a core element of Cuban identity. It serves as a form of self-expression and resilience, allowing Cubans to cope with challenges and connect with one another through shared experiences.
What is a "cacharra" and why is it significant?
A "cacharra" is a plastic container that Cubans often carry to parties. It symbolizes resourcefulness and the cultural practice of taking food home, reflecting a history of scarcity and the ingenuity to make the most of available resources.