A Cuban woman living in Spain took to TikTok to share the local customs she finds impossible to adopt, ranging from afternoon naps to her partner being away from home for weeks.
Lianna, who goes by @liannadice on the platform, uploaded a video last Sunday that runs for nearly three minutes, highlighting six Spanish habits that clash with her Cuban identity.
Struggling with the Siesta Tradition
The first on her list is the siesta. "I don't think I've ever taken a nap like the Spaniards do because I don't like it; I'm just not used to it," she states in the video.
Bread vs. Rice: A Culinary Dilemma
Next is the ubiquitous bread. While Spaniards pair it with nearly every meal, Lianna opts for rice instead: "As Cubans, we eat a lot of rice, but I don't include bread in my diet like the Spanish do."
Divergent Views on Relationship Roles
When it comes to relationships, Lianna finds it odd that in Spain, each person often pays their share when dining out, something she flatly rejects: "For me, that doesn't exist, even if both can help each other."
Facing the Cold Showers
She also can't embrace the habit of not showering daily when it's cold. "Here, it's quite normal to feel chilly and skip a shower. In my country, we shower every day, and I do too. I don't think that's ever going to change for me," she asserts.
The Challenge of Direct Communication
Direct communication makes the list, though Lianna admits it's a virtue she struggles with. "We Cubans, and Latinos in general, don't speak as directly. Here, if a Spaniard has something to say, they'll tell you, whether you like it or not. I think it's a great quality, but it's been really hard for me to get used to."
Trust Issues and Independence
Lastly, what unsettles her the most is the idea of her partner going on a week-long vacation with friends. "My partner can't be away for a week because it already smells like trouble to me," she confesses, although she acknowledges appreciating Spanish women's independence: "Here, women even go to clubs alone. I love that mindset."
This type of content resonates with a well-established trend among Cuban expatriates in Spain, where creators humorously document their cultural clashes. Earlier this year, another Cuban in Galicia shared her struggles with adapting to the cold and late meal times. In April, yet another Cuban revealed habits that betray her Latino roots in Spain, such as sleeping with a fan and eating rice daily.
The phenomenon underscores a large-scale migration: according to Spain's National Statistics Institute, by the end of 2024, there were 252,290 Cubans registered in the country, with more than 35,200 new Cuban immigrants arriving in 2025, solidifying Spain as the main European destination for the island's diaspora.
Lianna concluded her video by encouraging her followers to share their own adaptation challenges: "Tell me, leave in the comments what you don't like and which customs you find difficult to adapt to here in Spain."
Understanding Cuban Expat Challenges in Spain
What are some Spanish customs that Cubans find challenging to adapt to?
Cubans in Spain often find it difficult to adapt to customs such as the siesta, eating bread with every meal, paying separately in relationships, not showering daily in colder weather, direct communication, and partners going on vacations without each other.
Why is Spain a popular destination for Cuban emigrants?
Spain is a popular destination for Cuban emigrants due to cultural similarities, language, and the large Cuban community already established there. It serves as the primary European destination for the Cuban diaspora.