A Cuban TikTok personality, known as El Cubanito Sin Filtro, delighted his mother with a new washing machine and a bag of charcoal, spending $300 in total. The heartfelt moment was captured in a video shared on June 20.
According to the content creator, the washing machine he had previously given his mother had been out of service for about four weeks. Repairing it would have cost 6,000 Cuban pesos, so he chose a different route: "I didn't want her to struggle more, so I put my plans on hold and bought her a washing machine and a bag of charcoal on my way because I knew she needed them."
His mother was unaware of his visit or the new appliance he brought. Her shock was evident when she stepped out and saw the items in front of her home. The clip's most touching moment is when she joyfully sets up the new washing machine.
Furthermore, the creator disclosed that he arranged for the old washing machine to be repaired, intending to give it to his sister, ensuring neither would be without one.
Besides the cost of the washing machine, transportation fees added to the expense: "They charged me four thousand pesos just to deliver this," he mentioned in the video. Altogether, the $300 covered the washing machine, charcoal, and transportation costs.
El Cubanito Sin Filtro expressed gratitude to two supporters who helped him gather the funds: a follower named "Fer" and another supporter he referred to as "my Puerto Rican mom," who backed him in TikTok battles.
This act highlights a recurring reality on the island: a new washing machine in Cuba ranges between $190 and $299, while the average monthly salary is no more than 4,500 Cuban pesos, roughly equivalent to $10. For most Cuban families, such an appliance represents years of earnings.
This isn't the first time the creator has documented such a generous gesture. Back in January 2026, a video of his mother crying with joy after receiving household items for her birthday also went viral.
During 2025 and 2026, a trend of Cubans surprising their mothers with appliances has taken hold on TikTok. Similar stories, like a young Cuban woman gifting her mother a television, reveal a common narrative: scarcity turning everyday items into luxuries.
As of November 2025, about 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty, and emigrants have gradually shifted from sending cash to purchasing necessities like appliances, food, and medicine directly. Nearly 70% of the Cuban population receives remittances in some form.
The creator announced the release of a third video segment to show the final setup: "Follow me so you don’t miss part three."
FAQs About Economic Challenges in Cuba
Why is a washing machine so expensive in Cuba?
In Cuba, the cost of imported goods is high due to economic constraints and limited supply, making items like washing machines a luxury for many families.
How do remittances impact Cuban families?
Remittances are a vital source of income for many Cuban families, providing financial support for basic necessities and helping to alleviate some of the economic hardships they face.
What are some common items sent to Cuba by emigrants?
Common items include appliances, food, medicine, and other essential goods that are often scarce on the island.