A Cuban woman living outside the island, known on TikTok as Vivian0322, recently shared a heartfelt video expressing her sorrow over being unable to reunite with family in Cuba or visit her mother's grave on Mother's Day.
"In Cuba, don't bother making plans for anything—not even to spend Mother's Day with your sisters who live far away, or to visit the cemetery to bring flowers to your mom," she says in the 41-second clip, her voice filled with emotion.
Vivian0322 mentions that she spent the day solely with her husband and child, separated from her sisters and unable to pay respects at her mother's resting place.
"Today is a somewhat sad day," she confesses, before wishing "health and blessings for everyone."
Her video captures a sentiment shared by thousands in the diaspora: "The reality for Cubans today is bleak; you can't travel anywhere, it's impossible. We have to live like this and try to stay happy. Better times will come."
This personal account mirrors a broader reality that has worsened over recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, over 1.4 million Cubans left the island, and as of 2023, 38% of Cuban families had at least one member residing abroad, according to Cuban diplomatic sources.
Travel Challenges and Economic Struggles
The difficulties in traveling have intensified by 2026. A Jet A-1 fuel crisis has impacted nine international airports since February, significantly reducing air connectivity. During the first quarter of the year, Cuba welcomed only 298,057 international visitors, marking a 48% decline compared to the same period in 2025.
From the American side, the Trump administration, as of June 9, 2025, halted the entry of Cubans with tourist, study, and exchange visas. On January 1, 2026, a new immigration proclamation further tightened restrictions. Immigration attorneys have even advised Cuban permanent residents against leaving the U.S. due to the risk of being denied reentry.
Mother's Day Amid Economic Crisis
Within Cuba, Mother's Day 2026 unfolded against a backdrop of an unprecedented economic crisis. The average salary stands at a mere 13 dollars per month, with 89% of the population living in extreme poverty. Additionally, 79% of those over 70 years old cannot afford three meals a day, according to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights.
The stark contrast with official rhetoric was jarring. Díaz-Canel extended Mother's Day greetings with an image of a female Armed Forces officer and a message about their readiness to "defend Cuba," while a mother penned an open letter questioning how to explain hunger to a seven-year-old and an elderly woman without breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
On the streets, there was little room for celebration. A 77-year-old grandmother from Santiago pushes a cart 15 kilometers from two in the morning to sell okra, a picture of dignity amidst neglect on the island.
For the diaspora, Mother's Day has become a time of pain and longing, a sentiment that no video call can fully soothe, as Vivian0322's message poignantly illustrates: "Don't make plans with Cuba."
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora's Struggles
Why can't Cubans living abroad visit their families easily?
Travel restrictions from both Cuban and U.S. sides, along with economic hardships and fuel shortages, make it difficult for Cubans abroad to visit their families.
What are the current economic challenges in Cuba?
Cuba faces severe economic challenges, including low average wages, high levels of poverty, and food insecurity among the elderly population.
How has the Trump administration's policy impacted Cuban immigration?
The Trump administration imposed strict visa restrictions and immigration policies, complicating travel and residency for Cubans in the U.S.