A Cuban mother, known on social media as Anita la Cubanita, has decided to return to Cuba after living in Costa Rica for just five months. She initially left for Costa Rica in December 2025 with her partner and young son, Alan. In a Facebook video, Anita explained that her primary motivation for returning was the emotional well-being of her son. Despite having access to food, electricity, and healthcare abroad, Alan was not happy.
"My baby had compote, yogurt, and milk over there, but he wouldn't eat any of it. Although he had many opportunities, electricity, and medicine in hospitals, he still wasn't happy," Anita remarked, addressing critics who believed she should have prioritized her own well-being.
She recounted how Alan spent all day either in bed or in front of the television, a scenario she was unwilling to accept as normal. "He spent the entire day on a bed or in front of a TV. Honestly, that wasn't what I wanted for my son," she asserted.
Anita acknowledged the many challenges that Cuba faces, but she accepted them as part of her reality: "Right now I'm in Cuba. Yes, there are blackouts, but I will always try to ensure my baby lacks nothing."
Her ultimate decision was cemented by her son's joyous reaction upon returning to Cuban soil: "That look of happiness when he saw his home again, reunited with his family, with his grandmothers. My love, that's something words can't describe."
This week, Anita shared a video of her final shopping trip in Costa Rica, buying grapes and strawberries for her family because such items are "very hard to find" in Cuba.
Anita's journey began in December 2025 when she emigrated with her family to Costa Rica, traveling via Nicaragua to San José. She described the shock of seeing well-stocked markets: "I had never seen so much food in one place."
On December 26, 2025, she celebrated her first Christmas away from Cuba, expressing pride in having "saved my family from that hell," and in January 2026, she shared a hopeful message upon completing her first month abroad.
To finance their journey, Anita sold all her belongings before emigrating, and in Costa Rica, she supported her family by monetizing her social media presence.
Her story is not unique. Other Cuban women have made similar decisions in recent months, driven by feelings of loneliness and familial bonds. In January, Maydalina Valdés Fernández returned from Costa Rica, stating, "The loneliness was killing me." In April, TikToker Yaniuska López announced her permanent return, emphasizing that "coming back doesn't mean failure."
This phenomenon occurs against the backdrop of one of Cuba's most severe energy crises, with blackouts extending over 15 hours daily in several provinces and an electricity generation deficit exceeding 50%. On March 16, the island experienced a complete blackout, worsened by a fire at the Nico López refinery in Havana on February 13 and restricted Venezuelan oil supplies.
Upon emigrating in December, Anita celebrated her first Christmas away from Cuba, declaring herself "proud" to have removed her family "from that hell." She concluded her message with a blend of determination and hope: "Always hopeful that Cuba will change someday."
Understanding the Challenges of Returning to Cuba
Why did Anita return to Cuba despite the difficult conditions?
Anita returned primarily for her son's emotional well-being. Despite having better access to resources abroad, her son was not happy, which was her main concern.
What are some of the challenges Cuba is currently facing?
Cuba is dealing with a severe energy crisis, with extended blackouts and a significant electricity generation deficit. The situation has been aggravated by incidents like the fire at the Nico López refinery and limited oil supplies from Venezuela.
How are other Cuban women reacting to similar circumstances?
Many Cuban women, like Anita, have chosen to return to Cuba, driven by loneliness and the desire to be closer to family. They emphasize that returning doesn't equate to failure but rather a choice for personal and familial well-being.