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A Cuban family has found a new opportunity for life in a small municipality north of Burgos, Villarcayo, thanks to the Arraigo repopulation project initiated by local authorities.
The family, consisting of a married couple and their four-year-old son, arrived on April 16, 2024, at the locality after being selected for the hosting program.
According to the Spanish newspaper Burgos Conecta, they learned about the project through social media and, after getting in touch with other established individuals, made the decision to apply and settle in the northern part of this city, the capital of the autonomous community of Castilla y León in Spain.
Despite noting that the adaptation has been "difficult," Arley Pérez and Arnaly Rodríguez, the members of the couple, remark that "it's the step we had to take, at the moment we had to take it."
Together with his son Axel, they have had to adapt to the changes entailed by living in a new country, with a culture different from their own. However, they affirm that “people are very warm”, referring to the residents of the area.
The Arraigo Project is a Spanish initiative established in 2016 aimed at repopulating and revitalizing rural areas affected by depopulation, facilitating the integration of urban families into rural communities.
This project provides advice to families and entrepreneurs interested in relocating, as well as support to local municipalities to welcome and assist new residents.
Since its inception, it has helped settle 50 families in the province of Cuenca, repopulating several villages, and has reached out to over 700 families interested in joining this initiative.
Several Cuban families have found in the Arraigo Project an opportunity to improve their quality of life. For example, Osleidys and six members of her family moved from Havana to Beteta, in the province of Cuenca, in January 2024.
Thanks to the project, they were provided with housing and access to job opportunities, facilitating their integration into the local community.
Moreover, the renowned Cuban actor Juan Carlos Roque Moreno arrived in June 2023 in Paredes de Nava, in the province of Palencia, as part of the Project. His goal was to embark on a new life project that would ensure a better future for his family, contributing to the growth and revitalization of the local community.
It was also the case of a Cuban family of five members, who arrived in Lerma. The municipality that welcomed them offered school, work, and housing, essential conditions to begin their new life in Spain.
These experiences demonstrate how the Arraigo Project aims not only to improve conditions in rural areas of Spain, but also to provide job and housing opportunities for families looking to change their lifestyle, facilitating their adaptation and integration into new communities.
Frequently asked questions about the Arraigo Project and Cuban immigration to Spain
What is the Arraigo Project and how does it benefit Cuban families?
The Arraigo Project is a Spanish initiative created in 2016 that aims to repopulate and revitalize rural areas affected by depopulation. It provides advice and support to families and entrepreneurs interested in relocating, facilitating their integration and access to job and housing opportunities in rural communities of Spain. Several Cuban families have found in the project an opportunity to improve their quality of life.
How has the Arraigo Project impacted the Cuban community in Spain?
The Arraigo Project has enabled several Cuban families to settle in rural areas of Spain, enhancing their quality of life and providing an alternative to life in large cities. This project not only aims to repopulate rural areas but also to provide economic stability to Cuban migrants by granting them access to housing and employment. This has contributed to the growth of the Cuban community in Spain, which continues to increase due to factors such as the economic crisis in Cuba and the pursuit of better living conditions.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Spain?
Cubans face several challenges when emigrating to Spain, including the need to validate their professional degrees to work in their fields of expertise, the process of regularizing their immigration status, and adapting to a new culture and environment. Furthermore, economic difficulties and immigration restrictions can complicate their integration into the country. However, initiatives like the Arraigo Project and the Law of Democratic Memory have facilitated the settlement process for many Cubans.
What role does the Cuban community play in the migration phenomenon to Spain?
The Cuban community in Spain has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the pursuit of better living opportunities and economic conditions. This growth has been facilitated by repopulation programs like the Arraigo Project and laws that allow individuals with Iberian ancestry to obtain Spanish citizenship. The Cuban community has primarily settled in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where they have established networks of family and community support.
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