Cuban comedian Jorge Díaz Valera recently shared a video on Facebook that hilariously captures—and critiques—the transportation crisis in Cuba. The well-known actor René de la Cruz is seen looking visibly anxious at a metro station in Madrid after missing a train, unaware that another would arrive in just two minutes.
Filmed at one of the busiest stations beneath the bustling Puerta del Sol, the clip shows Díaz trying to reassure his friend with a phrase that seems almost like science fiction to any Cuban: "Another one will be here in two minutes."
The video then shows the next train arriving right on schedule, just as Díaz promised, much to Renecito's amazement.
"My brother, this isn't where you were. You're not there anymore; you're here now," Díaz emphasized.
The caption of the post speaks volumes: "Look at what being nervous about transportation does, Renecito startled on Madrid's metro."
Accumulating over 130,000 views, the video succinctly encapsulates in 35 seconds what decades of dictatorship have done to Cuba's public transportation: turning routine occurrences into miraculous events.
The humor in the clip strikes a sensitive nerve because it starkly contrasts with Cuba's reality, where fuel shortages, coupled with an aging and deteriorating vehicle fleet, have led to reductions in bus and train services nationwide.
Meanwhile, Madrid's Metro operates with intervals of just two minutes between trains during peak hours. This efficiency is exactly what left Renecito speechless.
Jorge Díaz Valera, who has been based in Madrid since September 2023, is one of the most active Cuban comedians on social media from the diaspora. In February 2024, he performed alongside singer-songwriter David Álvarez in the show "Dos cubañoles al tiro," winning over Cuban audiences in Spain.
Renecito de la Cruz, the son of legendary actor René de la Cruz (1931-2007), has built a successful career in theater, television, radio, and film. He has toured extensively in Spain with musician David Álvarez, performing in cities like Madrid, Valencia, Cádiz, and Alicante. In an interview with CiberCuba in April 2023, the actor spoke about Cuban unity: "Cuba must continue to unite, continue to love each other. We must not let those here or there divide us."
Understanding the Contrast in Transportation: Cuba vs. Madrid
Why was René de la Cruz surprised in the Madrid Metro?
René de la Cruz was surprised because he missed a train and didn't expect another to arrive within just two minutes, a stark contrast to the transportation issues in Cuba.
How does the Madrid Metro compare to public transportation in Cuba?
The Madrid Metro is known for its efficiency, with trains arriving every two minutes during peak times, while Cuba struggles with fuel shortages and an outdated transportation system leading to infrequent and unreliable services.