Otto and Felicia never anticipated that after spending their entire lives in Cuba, they would find themselves selling goods on a street corner in Paraguay to start anew. Despite the challenges, the couple insists they have no regrets about making the bold move.
Having resided in Fernando de la Mora, part of the metropolitan area of Asunción, for a year and eight months, this Cuban couple is featured in a video by SNT Cerro Corá. They recount their journey from the island in search of better opportunities.
Leaving Cuba Behind
"Living in Cuba had become nearly impossible," Otto explains when discussing their decision to leave.
Their son, already settled in Paraguay, encouraged them to join him. To finance their journey, they made a pivotal choice: selling their only home in Cuba.
"I sold everything I had in Cuba. It was a modest two-story house, nothing fancy, but it was comfortable. I sold it to a foreigner who bought it for a relative," Otto recounted.
With the proceeds, they paid for passports and embarked on the path followed by many Cubans to South America. They departed Cuba for Guyana, continued through Brazil, and eventually crossed into Ciudad del Este before reaching Paraguay.
Starting Anew in Paraguay
Today, they are self-employed at a stand located on the corner of Soldado Ovelar and Nueva Asunción, opposite Stock Express, selling products sourced from local markets to make a living.
"We're here selling what we can... trying to earn a little money to get by and also help my son, who's with us," Otto explained.
During the interview, Otto contrasted the harsh realities of life in Cuba with the newfound freedom they experience in Paraguay.
"In our country, everything is a struggle. There's no transportation, no electricity, no food. Everything must be obtained on the black market," he asserted.
Conversely, Otto has discovered something in Paraguay he hadn't felt in years.
"We have freedom, we can move around freely without answering to anyone. Here, everything is available; all you need to do is work," he expressed.
Felicia also emphasized the kindness they've received from the Paraguayan people.
"They are very sociable, and everyone has treated us very well," she said.
Support and Solidarity
The video has garnered over 138,000 views, sparking hundreds of supportive reactions.
Many Paraguayans have inquired about the location of their sales stand, eager to buy products or offer assistance. Others have suggested that the authorities consider granting them a pension for seniors.
The story of Otto and Felicia mirrors a growing trend among Cubans who leave the island: selling their possessions to fund their emigration and reunite with family abroad.
Since 2021, over a million Cubans have fled the country driven by the profound economic and social crisis. Among them, a rising number of seniors are leaving behind a lifetime to reconnect with their children and start fresh in a new land.
"For us Cubans, leaving Cuba to come here to Paraguay is a joy. We live well here, to a certain extent," Otto concluded.
The Cuban Exodus: Challenges and Hopes
Why did Otto and Felicia decide to leave Cuba?
Otto and Felicia found life in Cuba nearly unbearable due to lack of transportation, electricity, and food, forcing them to obtain essentials on the black market. Seeking better opportunities, they left for Paraguay.
How did they finance their move to Paraguay?
The couple financed their move by selling their only home in Cuba. This allowed them to pay for passports and travel expenses necessary to reach Paraguay.
What challenges do they face in Paraguay?
While they enjoy more freedom in Paraguay, Otto and Felicia work hard selling goods at a local stand to make ends meet and support their family.