Cuban from the USA surprises her family by showing up unannounced at her niece's birthday in Cuba: "7 years dreaming of this moment."

A Cuban resident in the U.S. surprises her family in Cuba after seven years of separation, capturing the emotional reunion in a viral TikTok video. The story resonates with thousands of exiles.


The family reunion dreamed of by many Cubans in exile became a reality for Yunaidy Sánchez, a Cuban resident in Naples, United States, who, after seven years without seeing her loved ones, returned to the island and gave them an emotional surprise.

The touching moment was captured on video and shared on the TikTok account @lulusanchez21habana, where Sánchez is seen unexpectedly arriving at her niece's birthday celebration. With gifts in hand and a big smile, the Cuban burst into the celebration, leaving everyone astonished and thrilled.

The family's reaction was immediate. Her aunt and cousins, moved to tears, rushed to embrace her in a moment filled with emotion.

Social media quickly reacted, with hundreds of comments from users who identified with the story and shared their own wishes to reunite with their loved ones in Cuba.

"Seven years dreaming of this moment", wrote the protagonist of the video, reflecting the feeling of nostalgia experienced by thousands of Cubans who have had to separate from their families due to migration.

Family reunions like this are becoming increasingly common in the reality of Cubans in exile, who, despite the distance and difficulties, continue to dream of the day they can embrace their loved ones once again.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Reunions 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 into by the political and economic situation in the country. These gatherings reflect the importance of family ties in Cuban culture and the difficulty of maintaining those connections despite the distance.

How do social media influence the dissemination of these reunions?

Social media, especially TikTok, plays a crucial role in the dissemination of these emotional moments. They allow sharing these experiences with a wide audience, generating empathy and connection among people who have lived through similar situations of family separation. Furthermore, these platforms help to highlight the challenges 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 burden of these moments.

Why do these reunions often go viral on the internet?

Family reunions often go viral because they touch a deep emotional chord in those who watch them. Stories of love, sacrifice, and hope resonate with a broad 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 create.

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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.

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.