A Cuban resident in South Carolina couldn't contain her excitement when visiting Miami and discovering products that are not easily found in her state. Mabele Padilla (@mabeleameliapadil), who recorded her visit to a Presidente supermarket, shared her experience in a video that caught the attention of users on TikTok.
"I've been visiting a Presidente supermarket, a store that doesn't exist where I live in Carolina. Let's see what we can take back that we can't find there," the Cuban woman remarks at the beginning of the video. During her tour, she showcased a selection of typical Cuban products: nougats, torticas, pre-packaged beans, juices of all flavors, guava jam, pork lard, coquito, and even blood sausage.
"Oh my God, there are so many amazing things here!" she exclaimed excitedly while picking out her purchases. With a big smile, she showcased her "pacotilla" at the end of the video and remarked, "The only thing I can say is that I love the pacotilla here. It's the best purchase I've made. I got many things I really needed, things that aren't available back home."
The Cuban ended her video with a phrase that many Cubans living in Miami repeat: “Miami is Miami, and everything else is just green spaces.”
The post received comments from Cubans living in other states and countries, who expressed their nostalgia for the typical products of their homeland. "Did you notice the price of the malanga? Here in Houston it's almost incomparable," "For that and many other reasons, Miami is the best in this country," "How delicious are the masareal. I’m Cuban living in the Dominican Republic and there are no Cuban sweets. I'm dying for guava pastries, how I miss them!" or "Miami is Miami."
These types of videos reflect how Miami becomes a nostalgic refuge for Cubans seeking a piece of their homeland in exile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Products in Miami and the Nostalgia of Emigrants
Why do Cubans residing in the United States feel nostalgic when they come across products from their homeland?
Nostalgia arises from the emotional connection that traditional products have with their homeland. For many Cubans living abroad, finding these products in stores in the United States allows them to relive memories of their childhood and culture, something that is often hard to come by outside of Cuba.
What typical Cuban products can be found in supermarkets in Miami?
In Miami, supermarkets offer a variety of Cuban products that include nougats, small cakes, packaged beans, juices in multiple flavors, guava jam, pork lard, coquito, and blood sausage. These items are highly valued by Cubans seeking a piece of their homeland while in exile.
Why is Miami a popular destination for Cubans in exile?
Miami is seen as a nostalgic refuge for Cubans due to its large Cuban community and the availability of products and cultural experiences that evoke life in Cuba. The phrase "Miami is Miami and everything else is green spaces" captures the sense of belonging and connection to their culture that many Cubans feel in the city.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect the perception of Cubans abroad regarding local products?
The scarcity in Cuba makes Cuban products found abroad seem like a luxury or a treasure. Many Cubans living overseas experience a mix of emotions when they see the abundance of products that are hard to come by in their home country, highlighting the contrast between life in Cuba and in other countries.
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