Cuban Mary Díaz (@mary.diaz._2) has everyone talking on TikTok with a video where she shares the cultural differences she's encountered living in Tenerife. From being invited to eat papas arrugadas with mojo and her immediate reaction being to ask, “Where are the rice and beans?” to not getting over the luxury of having 24 hours of electricity. “How is it possible that I can charge my phone and the power doesn’t go out?” she laughs, recalling the endless hours without electricity in Cuba.
The clash doesn't stop there. Mary, with her fun and spontaneous style, jokes about the nonexistent lines in supermarkets, contrasting it with when in Cuba they would stretch for "three blocks just to buy absolutely nothing." She also expresses her frustration with the term "cholas" to refer to flip-flops: "Why can't they just call them flip-flops, not cholas! But well, I'm starting to like it." However, when she talks about the beaches of Tenerife, although she praises how beautiful they are, she laughs and says she doesn't understand how anyone can get into the water: "It's very, very cold; I've decided I'm not going to swim."
The video has been filled with comments. One user reminded him that the relationship between Cuba and the Canary Islands is historic, mentioning how many Canarians emigrated to the island during an economic crisis in the 19th century. Others welcomed him, and some identified with his sense of humor, prompting him to laugh and say, “It’s hard to get used to having electricity and food 24 hours a day.”
Of course, there were those who threw in comments like "if you don't like it, go back to Cuba," though Mary responded with her characteristic sarcastic touch: "Take life with a sense of humor, sir." Amid all the affection, some offered recommendations, like trying Cuban restaurants in Tenerife or not losing her Cuban identity: "If I see you saying 'cholas,' I’ll put you in the dark for 12 hours as punishment," a user wrote with laughter.
The Cuban woman ends the video by making it clear that she enjoys her experience, but is not willing to lose her roots: “If you see me saying 'cholas' instead of 'flip-flops,' please send me back to Havana.” With that boldness, she has made her video a complete success, causing both Cubans and Canarians to laugh at the cultural differences, reminding us that in the end, we all adapt, but always hold on to a bit of who we are.
Cultural differences and experiences of Cubans abroad
What are the cultural differences that most surprise Cubans who emigrate?
The cultural differences that most surprise Cubans who emigrate include the constant availability of electricity and food, the absence of long lines in supermarkets, and changes in certain terminologies. For example, in Tenerife, Mary Díaz was astonished by the continuous access to electricity and the lack of queues, which was very different from her experience in Cuba.
Why do Cubans abroad feel "millionaires"?
Cubans abroad feel "millionaires" because they enjoy basic services like electricity, water, and food without interruptions, which strongly contrasts with the conditions in Cuba. This makes them feel that they have access to a standard of living that is unattainable in their home country.
How do Cubans adapt to the differences in language and terminology in other countries?
Cubans adapt to the differences in language and terminology in other countries by learning and adopting local words, even though it may initially be a cultural shock. For example, Mary Díaz had to get used to the fact that "chancletas" are called "cholas" in Tenerife.
What impact do the experiences of emigrated Cubans have on social media?
The experiences of Cuban emigrants on social media evoke empathy and reflection on the challenges of life in Cuba and the contrast with their new realities. These testimonies give voice to the struggles and hopes of Cubans seeking a better future outside the island.
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