A Cuban man recently became a social media sensation after his exuberant celebration went viral on TikTok. The video, shared last Friday by user @buen.chamacoibrahincito, captures his overwhelming excitement following his rooster's victory in a cockfight.
In the 27-second clip, the man—whose level of sobriety was unclear, possibly due to either excitement or alcohol—can be heard repeatedly shouting, "Buddy, the excitement is immense," while proudly declaring that "the animal is brave," referring to his winning rooster.
The video description, penned by the uploader, encapsulates the sentiment: "The excitement is immense when your animal is fine and brave. Long live this sport."
In Cuban slang, the phrase "tener nota" or "grande la nota" translates to having a lot of style, charm, and charisma, akin to having "tremendous swing."
The Tradition of Cockfighting in Cuba
Cockfighting is one of Cuba's deeply rooted cultural traditions, with official records dating back to April 8, 1737, when a royal decree regulated the practice on the island.
After the 1959 Revolution, cockfighting was banned, and arenas were shut down between late 1967 and early 1968 to eliminate gambling. However, the breeding of roosters never completely vanished.
In 1980, the Cuban government decriminalized the activity, turning it into a minor offense rather than a crime, allowing it to persist in a legal gray area between tolerance and persecution.
Today, this contradiction is more evident than ever. While police dismantle illegal cockfighting rings, the regime legally operates the business through the state-owned company ALCONA S.A., part of the Flora and Fauna Business Group.
Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
The Animal Welfare Decree-Law 31/2021 prohibits animal fighting but includes a specific exception for fights authorized by the competent authority, effectively creating a state monopoly over cockfighting.
This double standard became noticeable in June 2026: on June 22, police in Pinar del Río dismantled an illegal ring in Herradura, Consolación del Sur.
A week later, on June 29, seven individuals were charged in Santa Clara for participating in an illegal ring at the Arcoiris campsite, facing up to four years in prison.
In November 2025, the animal rights organization BAC-Habana denounced that cockfights in Cuba are not clandestine but rather sanctioned by the regime through ALCONA S.A.; shortly thereafter, the Cuban bank froze its account.
Meanwhile, the public's passion for "fine roosters" remains undiminished, as demonstrated by the man's excitement in the video. His celebration succinctly captures what this sport means to many Cubans: "The excitement is immense, buddy, this guy is ecstatic."
Understanding Cockfighting in Cuban Culture
What is the significance of cockfighting in Cuban culture?
Cockfighting is a longstanding tradition in Cuba, deeply embedded in the country's cultural heritage. It dates back to the 18th century and remains popular despite legal and ethical challenges.
How does the Cuban government regulate cockfighting?
The Cuban government regulates cockfighting through ALCONA S.A., a state-owned company, despite laws that technically prohibit animal fighting. This creates a legal gray area where the state maintains control over the activity.
Why are cockfights controversial in Cuba?
Cockfights are controversial due to their association with gambling and animal cruelty. Although officially regulated by the state, illegal rings continue to operate, highlighting the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the sport.