"I am the Cuban who lives in Mexico, specifically in Mérida, Yucatán, and today I bring you three curiosities about Cuba that, whenever I share them with my friends here in Yucatán, none of them believe me or they are left speechless." This is how @kelu_gb begins her story, a young Cuban on TikTok who has captured attention by sharing those peculiarities of life in Cuba that sound almost incredible to many outside the island.
To begin with, Kelu explains what the school routine is like in Cuba, where "every morning, whenever we arrive at school, we have to do what is called the morning assembly." This act consists of singing the national anthem and listening to historical commemorations, which may include references to historical figures such as José Martí or Camilo Cienfuegos. “Every day of the week, all 5 days, you arrive at school at 7:15 or 8 in the morning, and it’s the morning assembly for 15 minutes, and then you go to the classrooms,” the TikToker shares.
Another custom that surprises his Mexican friends is the so-called "volunteer work." Although the name suggests it is optional, Kelu insists that "it is mandatory." He explains that these initiatives involve citizens in tasks such as cleaning the streets or fixing up the neighborhood: "All the neighbors gather, whether on weekends or whenever they decide, and you have to clean the entire neighborhood." He adds that attendance can have consequences, especially for students: "If you don’t go to volunteer work, you often lose points in school."
To top it off, the young woman says that in Cuba, popsicles are called "chupa chupa," which elicits laughter and playful banter among her friends in Mexico. "When I told my friends, they either laugh or laugh so hard they almost pee, or they make jokes at my expense," she comments with a chuckle.
The video has already received over 1,700 "likes" and has sparked comments ranging from surprise to humor. Some viewers remarked, “We have morning shows in Mexico too, but they’re different”; “Your accent is now Cuban-Yucateco”; and “That’s manners. Look around you.” Others took the opportunity to greet her or express their affection: “Hello, it’s great to have you here in Mérida. Greetings”; “You’re a beautiful Cuban”; and “You look lovely.” There were also those who asked her to share more about her experiences outside the island, to which she responded that she will do a “storytime.”
With this video, Kelu not only entertains and sparks curiosity but also keeps her followers engaged as she shares the cultural differences between Cuba and Mexico that never cease to amaze.
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