A video tour of a house in Cuba has become one of the most talked-about clips of the week among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Iris Deysi, who resides in the United States and is known on TikTok as @iris_laprospera, shared a video last Friday showcasing the home she and her husband built from the ground up. With a simple yet hopeful caption, she noted, "There are still a few things missing, but we're almost ready."
What seemed like an ordinary video quickly ignited a flood of reactions that went far beyond the house itself.
The footage reveals a new home featuring spacious rooms, zinc-roofed porches, and even a pineapple plantation on the property. Iris proudly displays every corner, fully aware of the effort and sacrifice behind this achievement. When asked by a user about how long the construction took, she replied, "Since August of last year." To those who assumed they had purchased a pre-built home, she clarified, "My husband and I built it from scratch because buying one like this is more difficult."
More Than Just a House
However, the zinc roofing on the porches sparked the most commentary. "Wow, all that just to use zinc roofing... Oh no, that's awful," one user remarked. Iris calmly responded, "Those are porches." Another comment pointed out that with Cuba's heat, it "will be an oven," although they admitted the house was "very pretty."
Despite these technical critiques, the video was overwhelmingly met with support, admiration, and empathy.
"I'm so happy to see our people achieving their dreams. Congratulations, it's going to be beautiful," one follower commented. Another added, "I can only imagine the work, exhaustion, and sacrifice it took to achieve this."
Community Reactions and Reflections
Many users also took the opportunity to warn Iris about envy. "A word of caution: there's nothing worse than jealousy, and we're too envious. Enjoy your achievement alone; people can be mean," wrote one person in a popular comment. Others echoed with messages like, "Celebrate your successes quietly" and "So much envy in the comments."
Several Cuban emigrants related to the story, sharing their own experiences. "I'm building mine completely, just a little more to go," one user shared. Another wrote, "The house is gorgeous, but the pineapple plantation stole the show."
The video also inspired more serious and political reflections. "Just wait until someone from the regime takes a liking to it; nothing is truly yours there," a user remarked. Another quipped, "The sector chief likes your house," while someone summed it up with sarcasm: "The real American dream."
One of the most debated comments came from a user who emphasized that beyond building a house, his priority was getting his daughters out of Cuba: "The house remains there, but the day the island is free will be the day I truly feel joy."
A Broader Trend Among Cuban Expats
Iris's video adds to a growing trend of Cuban expatriates showcasing the homes they build on the island with money earned abroad. These videos frequently elicit a mix of admiration, nostalgia, pride, criticism, and debate.
Because beyond the porches, zinc, or the pineapples planted in the yard, this kind of content touches on something much deeper: the dream shared by thousands of Cubans living far from home, working for years, and continuing to envision a personal piece of Cuba to which they might one day return.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Homes in Cuba
Why is building a house in Cuba challenging?
Building a house in Cuba can be challenging due to limited access to materials, bureaucratic hurdles, and the economic difficulties faced by many Cubans. This is compounded by the complexities of managing construction from abroad.
What are common criticisms faced by Cuban expatriates building homes?
Common criticisms include the use of certain materials like zinc roofing, perceived impracticality due to climate conditions, and envy or negative comments from others. Despite these, many receive praise and support for achieving their dreams.
How do Cuban expatriates share their home-building experiences?
Cuban expatriates often use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share videos and photos of their construction progress, celebrating their achievements and connecting with a community of fellow Cubans around the world.