At 12:30 AM, with the sun still shining in the sky, leo.d.duarte, known as Kiko el cubano on social media, expressed his amazement at experiencing this phenomenon in Finland, a country where the sun hardly ever sets during the summer. "Who would have told me, a Cuban from Las Tunas born in Santa Librada, with the mud here up to my chest, that I would be here in one of the most beautiful places in the world in Finland, at half past twelve at night with this radiant sun that you can't escape in the middle of nowhere?" he reflected in his video.
In sharing the post, she expressed her gratitude for the moment she was experiencing: "Thank God for the great opportunities, for the wonderful people who come into our lives, for the beautiful moments, and that we may never lack joy," she wrote, accompanied by hashtags such as #free, #happy, and #nofearofsuccess.
The landscape around him is a seemingly endless forest, and the light at that hour left him speechless. "Just forest, it's madness, absolute madness, my people," he added while showing his watch to confirm that, indeed, it was already dawn.
Her post has generated dozens of reactions, with followers expressing admiration and curiosity about the experience of living in such a different place. Some commented: “Spectacular, what beauty”; “We have to go there then”; while others recalled similar moments: “I had the same experience in Tunisia when I saw the sun at 4 in the morning. It’s incredible.”
Kiko did not miss the opportunity to answer questions about life in the north. To those who asked him about the famous six months of darkness, he responded with humor: “Exactly, the other six months are in black and white, pure snow and darkness, but it’s a wonder with the lanterns in the trees.”
From Santa Librada to Finland, Kiko's experience is yet another testament to how Cubans manage to adapt and enjoy the extraordinary, even thousands of miles from home.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of Cubans abroad and the phenomenon of the midnight sun in Finland
What is the phenomenon of the midnight sun that Kiko experienced in Finland?
The phenomenon of the midnight sun occurs in regions close to the Arctic Circle, such as Finland, where during the summer the sun does not fully set, remaining visible throughout the night. This situation is the opposite of winter, where the polar night occurs, characterized by several months of darkness.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the experiences of emigrants in Nordic countries?
The Cuban community has shown great interest and admiration for the experiences of their compatriots in Nordic countries. Many comment in amazement and curiosity about the contrast between life in Cuba and that of countries like Finland and others in Northern Europe. Posts on social media spark debates about the opportunities and challenges that Cubans face abroad.
What cultural challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to places like Finland?
When emigrating to places like Finland, Cubans face significant cultural challenges, such as adapting to extreme climates, differences in social customs, and the language. The phenomenon of the midnight sun and polar night are examples of unique climatic adaptations they must confront. Nevertheless, many Cubans demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt and find joy in new experiences.
How do the experiences of Cubans abroad highlight the limitations within Cuba?
The experiences of Cubans abroad often highlight the limitations in Cuba by contrasting the opportunities and quality of life they find outside the island. These stories frequently emphasize the lack of basic resources and the rigidity of the Cuban system, while also showcasing the ability of Cubans to adapt and thrive in new environments.
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