He was left wanting: He arrives unexpectedly in Cuba to reunite with his mother, but she is not at home

A Cuban woman traveled to surprise her mother, but she wasn't home. The heartfelt video of their reunion went viral on TikTok, showcasing the joy of family reunions.


A Cuban woman traveled to Cuba with the hope of surprising her mother. However, upon arriving at her house and calling out to her from the street, she received an unexpected surprise: her mother was not there.

The video, which went viral on TikTok, shows the woman excitedly calling for her mother to come out onto the balcony. "Maaa," she repeatedly shouts, anxiously waiting to catch a glimpse of her mother's face. But after several failed attempts, a neighbor delivers the unexpected news: "She hasn't arrived."

Amid laughter and jokes, internet users quickly reacted to the peculiar moment. "Martica is out there walking in the lines," commented one user, while another joked: "Martica surprised you instead of you surprising her." Many shared their own experiences with the scene: "That's how it will be with mine, who is always on the street", "That's why I'm going to give a heads up, because on top of that, she never answers the phone."

The much-anticipated reunion didn't take long to happen. At the end of the video, we see the mother returning home, and finally, mother and daughter embraced in an emotional hug that brought both tears and smiles to those present.

Beyond the amusing anecdote, the video reflects the emotion of family reunions, a feeling that many Cubans in exile long to experience. "What’s special about this video is that, instead of making us cry... it has made us laugh! Cubans are unique,” commented a user on the video by @cubita20215.

The story continues to accumulate views and reactions on social media, demonstrating that family ties and the emotions of those returning home always resonate in the hearts of Cubans.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Reunifications in Cuba

Why are family reunions in Cuba so emotional?

Family reunions in Cuba are very emotional due to the prolonged separations that many families are forced to endure because of the political and economic situation in the country. These gatherings reflect the importance of family ties in Cuban culture and the challenges of maintaining those bonds despite the distance.

How do social media influence the dissemination of family reunions in Cuba?

Social media, especially TikTok, plays a crucial role in the dissemination of these emotional moments. They allow for sharing these experiences with a wide audience, generating empathy and connection among people who have faced similar situations of family separation. Furthermore, these platforms help to highlight the challenges that many Cuban families face due to the diaspora.

What challenges do Cubans face in reuniting with their families?

Cubans face numerous challenges in reuniting with their families, including migration restrictions, economic difficulties, and the complex process of obtaining travel permits. These barriers make reunions infrequent and highly anticipated, thus increasing the emotional weight of these moments.

Why do these reunions often go viral on the internet?

Family reunions often go viral because they strike a deep emotional chord in those who watch them. Stories of love, sacrifice, and hope resonate with a wide audience, especially those who have experienced separation from their own loved ones. The virality is driven by the authenticity and emotional impact that these videos generate.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.

Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.