A Cuban woman residing in Spain recently shared a poignant message that encapsulates the emotional paradox faced by many Cuban emigrants: enjoying a materially better life abroad yet feeling more content back in their homeland.
"I was happier in Cuba, not because of material things, but because of the people, the warmth, the family, the friends," says @clauferrales in a TikTok video lasting ninety seconds.
From the outset, she clarifies that her longing isn't for material possessions or comforts, but for something far more challenging to replace: "I'm talking about the memories of the life you built and had to leave behind."
She acknowledges that Spain has provided her with what Cuba could not. "Here, I've found peace and stability. I can live without the daily stress and power outages," she states, adding that moving was "the best decision" she ever made.
Nonetheless, she admits to missing something vital: the friends she could call to meet up for coffee. "I've always valued friendships, but now many of us are scattered across the globe, experiencing life through WhatsApp groups," she laments.
Memories Versus Reality
Her story highlights a distinction that resonates with Cubans living abroad: the difference between the Cuba they remember and the current reality. "I don't want the Cuba of 2026, I don't want a country that's in pieces," she states clearly before adding, "I know Cuba isn't the same, but in my memories, it was where I was happy. At least those moments can't be taken from me."
That "country in pieces" she's referring to is experiencing one of its worst energy crises in June 2026, with deficits exceeding 2,000 MW during peak night hours and blackouts lasting over 18 hours in some areas.
Shared Experiences Among Cuban Emigrants
@clauferrales' experience is far from unique. Numerous Cubans in Spain describe an ongoing emotional struggle where material improvements coexist with loneliness and rootlessness, as evidenced by the genuine stories of each Cuban who migrates to Spain.
Spain has become the primary European destination for Cuban migrants, boasting a community of over 252,000 registered residents by the end of 2024 and approximately 287,000 in 2025, with monthly additions of between 2,000 and 2,500 Cubans.
Other Cuban women have shared similar stories: one young woman who fulfilled her dream of leaving Cuba in September 2025 described feeling empty due to the distance from her family, while the human cost of the exodus is encapsulated in recurring images of empty homes, lonely grandparents, and heartbroken mothers.
@clauferrales concludes her video with the same phrase she began with, as if needing to reaffirm it: "And yes, I was happier in Cuba."
Questions About Cuban Emigration and Emotional Challenges
Why do many Cubans feel happier in Cuba despite material hardships?
Many Cubans feel more content in Cuba due to the strong social bonds, family connections, and cultural warmth, which are hard to replicate abroad despite better material conditions.
What are some challenges Cuban emigrants face in Spain?
Cuban emigrants in Spain often deal with loneliness, nostalgia, and a sense of rootlessness, as they adapt to a different culture and live far from close family and friends.
How has the Cuban community in Spain grown in recent years?
The Cuban community in Spain has seen significant growth, with over 252,000 registered residents in 2024 and nearly 287,000 by 2025, as many Cubans seek better opportunities in Europe.