Cuban finds painting of Elpidio Valdés at a bus stop in Uruguay

A TikTok video shows Elpidio Valdés at a bus stop in Uruguay, generating nostalgia and humor among Cubans. The iconic character revives cultural identity abroad.


The iconic character from Cuban cartoons, Elpidio Valdés, surprised a young Cuban who, while walking through the streets of Uruguay, came across a painting of the famous mambí at a bus stop. The scene was captured in a video that the young woman shared on TikTok, triggering a wave of reactions and nostalgia among users.

“What is Valdés doing at a Uruguayan bus stop? Tato, what is this?”, the young woman remarked with laughter in the video that has already garnered thousands of views on the platform. The unexpected discovery sparked immediate reactions among her followers, who left comments filled with humor and nostalgia.

The video sparked an avalanche of comments from other Cubans who immediately recognized the daring character created by the cartoonist Juan Padrón.

Among the messages, phrases such as: “Elpidio Valdés waiting for María Silvia,” “I can't believe it,” and “Only Cubans will understand” stand out.

Elpidio Valdés, a symbol of Cuban popular culture, has shaped the childhood of several generations on the island, becoming an icon of resistance and patriotism.

Her unexpected appearance in Uruguay not only generated surprise but also created a connection among Cubans living outside their country.

The presence of the painting at a bus stop in Uruguay raises questions about how it got there and what motivated its inclusion in that public space.

Although the exact origin of the painting is not mentioned, for Cubans, these kinds of chance encounters abroad reinforce cultural ties and a sense of identity.

The video, available on TikTok, continues to generate interaction and comments filled with humor and nostalgia, showcasing how a character like Elpidio Valdés can evoke emotions and memories among Cubans, even when they are far from home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elpidio Valdés in Uruguay and Cuban Culture Abroad

Who is Elpidio Valdés and why is he an important symbol for Cubans?

Elpidio Valdés is an iconic character from Cuban cartoons, created by the cartoonist Juan Padrón. He is a mambí who symbolizes Cuban resistance and patriotism, shaping the childhood of several generations on the island. His figure represents the spirit of the struggle for freedom, making him a cultural emblem among Cubans.

How did a painting of Elpidio Valdés end up at a bus stop in Uruguay?

The article does not specify how the painting of Elpidio Valdés arrived in Uruguay. These kinds of chance encounters strengthen cultural ties and the sense of identity among Cubans abroad, generating surprise and nostalgia when finding symbols of their culture in unexpected places.

What reactions has the discovery of Elpidio Valdés in Uruguay provoked among Cubans?

The appearance of the painting of Elpidio Valdés in Uruguay has sparked a wave of emotional and nostalgic reactions among Cubans, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. The video of the discovery has generated thousands of views and comments filled with humor and memories, highlighting the cultural connection that remains among Cubans, even when they are far from their homeland.

Why is the figure of Elpidio Valdés relevant in the Cuban diaspora?

Elpidio Valdés is a symbol of Cuban cultural identity that transcends borders, representing an emotional connection for Cubans abroad. His figure evokes childhood memories and a sense of belonging that unites the diaspora, keeping alive the cultural legacy of Cuba anywhere in the world.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.