Cubans react upon seeing bike taxis in the streets of Miami: "They won't stop until they implement the ration book."

A video of a pedal taxi in Miami sparks laughter and debate among Cubans, highlighting the blend of customs and the nostalgia for island traditions.


A video shared on the TikTok profile @anna.lucia.carrle has sparked laughter and discussions among Cubans living in Miami and beyond. In the footage, taken from a car, a bicycle taxi can be seen traversing a street in Miami, with one person driving and two passengers seated behind. This unusual scene has generated a flurry of comments that blend humor and nostalgia for Cuban customs.

The bicitaxi, a very common mode of transport in Cuba, particularly in the provinces, is not typically seen in the urban landscape of Miami, but its presence did not go unnoticed. The comments on the video reflect a mix of surprise and humor from the viewers.

“Hialeah, for sure, the city that progresses,” commented one user, referring to the well-known Cuban influence in that area of Miami. Another was more sarcastic: “You’ll see they won’t stop even at putting rationing in Miami,” alluding to the economic practices that prevail in Cuba. A third person expressed their relief at having left the city: “I’m so glad I left Miami years ago.”

The pedicab is an icon of Cuban culture, symbolizing ingenuity and adaptability in the face of transportation limitations on the island. However, seeing it in a context as different as Miami, where cars dominate, evokes varied reactions, ranging from laughter to reflections on the migration of Cuban traditions to foreign lands.

The video has garnered thousands of views and comments on TikTok, highlighting how small details like this connect Cubans to their roots and spark discussions about the fusion of cultures in exile.

Although for many the bicitaxi is a symbol of struggle and effort, its presence on the streets of Miami continues to surprise and spark discussions, uniting the Cuban diaspora around an image that, for better or worse, remains a part of their identity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bicycle Taxi in Miami and the Cuban Community

Why has the appearance of a bicycle taxi in Miami generated so much interest?

The arrival of a bicitaxi in Miami has sparked interest because it is a common mode of transportation in Cuba, but unusual in a car-dominated city like Miami. This has evoked nostalgia and humor within the Cuban community, connecting people to their cultural roots.

What does the bicitaxi symbolize for Cubans?

The bicycle taxi symbolizes the ingenuity and adaptability of Cubans in the face of transportation limitations on the island. In Cuba, it is a popular means of transportation, especially in the provinces, and its presence in Miami evokes a blend of surprise and reflection on the migration of Cuban traditions.

How has the Cuban community reacted to the video of the bicycle taxi in Miami?

The Cuban community has reacted to the video of the pedicab in Miami with a mix of humor and nostalgia. Comments on social media reflect surprise, laughter, and reflections on the fusion of cultures in exile, highlighting the symbolism of the pedicab as a part of Cuban identity.

What does Miami represent for the Cuban community in the United States?

Miami serves as a cultural hub and a home for the Cuban community in the United States, where Cuban traditions, language, and culture are deeply ingrained. The city provides a space for Cubans to preserve their roots while adapting to life abroad.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, I currently live in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am now part of the CiberCuba team as a writer in the Entertainment section.