A Cuban in the United States shared a video on social media that reflects the struggles of many of his compatriots who emigrate and leave their families behind.
Marky Barrera, 24 years old, said that when he saw a photo of himself from years ago in Cuba, dining with his family on Christmas Eve, he couldn't hold back his tears.
"Everyone sitting at the table," he said sadly, before concluding, "Damn, it hurts, my friend."
More than a thousand Cubans commented on the post, expressing their solidarity with the young man.
"The hard part of emigrating is that we have light, food, clothes, everything, but the most important things are empty, dark, and lacking: the soul and the heart," stated a mother of a family.
"I hung up the phone on my family yesterday and had to pretend the connection was lost, but I just wanted to cry because they were all together and I wasn’t there, and my grandmother wasn’t there either," a young woman recalled.
"Explain to your past self that you are here precisely because the 24th is just one day of the year and that the other 364 were a torment in that disaster," emphasized a man.
This week, another Cuban in the United States shared an emotional message about how emigrants confront loneliness and nostalgia during the holiday season.
"The end-of-year festivities are approaching, but for many, there will be no celebration, because there are many people who are here physically, but their hearts are not," stated TikTok user i.am.ivey in his video.
According to what he said, although there is an effort to maintain the illusion during celebrations, the absence of family always weighs heavily. "There are guests invited to the homes of strangers to simulate joy, to take a picture at a table full of food along with a stack of false emotions. After everyone takes the picture, everyone just sits around bored."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emotional Impact of Cuban Immigration During the Holidays
Why are holidays especially difficult for Cuban emigrants?
The festivities amplify the nostalgia and sadness felt by emigrant Cubans due to their separation from loved ones. These dates, which are traditionally about family unity, turn into a painful reminder of the distance and the moments they cannot share with their families in Cuba.
How does family separation affect Cubans in the United States?
Family separation has a profound emotional impact on Cuban emigrants, manifesting in feelings of sadness, nostalgia, and loneliness. The inability to be present for significant moments and celebrations with their relatives intensifies the pain and longing for the life they left behind.
What feelings prevail among Cubans who spend the holidays away from their families?
Sadness and loneliness are common feelings among Cubans who spend the holidays away from their families. The lack of physical contact and the inability to participate in family celebrations contribute to a widespread sense of uprootedness and melancholy during these special times.
What emotional resources do Cubans abroad find to cope with family separation?
Many Cubans living abroad seek support within communities of fellow countrymen or through social networks, where they share their experiences and find empathy and understanding. Additionally, some hold on to the hope of a better future and the possibility of reuniting with their loved ones.
Filed under:
