The video of a Cuban woman in Spain has sparked an intense debate on social media after she shared her surprise at how drivers respect pedestrian traffic signals in that country. Content creator Karlita (@yo_soykarlita) expressed her astonishment on TikTok at a common scene in many parts of the world: cars automatically stopping when pedestrians press the button to cross the street.
“Look, gentlemen, this is a quite busy area. Here, as you can see, many cars pass by. So, what would be normal in my country, Cuba, is for you to wait for the cars to go by before crossing. But not here. Here, you press this button and wait for the traffic light. Do you see the little red figure? Well, when it turns green, we can walk, and automatically, look, the cars have to stop so we can cross. Welcome to capitalism, my love,” Karlita expressed in her video.
In just 17 hours, the video surpassed 24,000 views and hundreds of comments, with users reacting in divided opinions. Some defended their viewpoint, while others asserted that their astonishment is related not to capitalism but to road education and civility.
One of the most notable comments was from the creator herself, who explained: "Anyone who comes from Cuba and has been in Spain for a short time is amazed by the smallest things. If you've been here for years, remember your beginnings, and if you are a foreigner, visit Cuba, and you will understand why I am so amazed."
Other users disagreed with Karlita and asserted that what she describes is not capitalism, but rather well-applied traffic rules. One user wrote that it is not capitalism, but road education, a comment that received over 58 reactions. Another internet user stated that it is a matter of civilization. A Spanish user corrected Karlita by pointing out that in Spain there are not cars, but rather coches or vehicles. Another follower added that even without traffic lights, they also stop to let pedestrians cross, because without traffic lights, pedestrians have priority. Someone else commented that Cuba would have that too if it weren't for the regime in place, to which Karlita replied, "Exactly."
In another comment, Karlita explained that there are traffic lights in Cuba, but there is no road education or signals at the traffic lights, and cars do not stop at pedestrian crossings. Another user pointed out that Spain is not capitalist, but rather has a socialist government. One follower warned that not everyone respects the traffic lights. Another comment ironically included the phrase "Sánchez resign" in reference to the Spanish Prime Minister. An internet user claimed that he was right and that he had seen videos of Cuba that seemed to show a country abandoned by the hand of God. Another insisted that what Karlita described is not capitalism, but education. A user noted that in Spain, people respect pedestrians, but it is not a matter of capitalism, rather of awareness and respect. Finally, someone commented that it is a reflection of civilization, and another incredulously asked if so many cars passed in Cuba that there was not enough time to cross.
Karlita's astonishment is not an isolated case. In recent months, a Cuban in Tenerife expressed her surprise at the electric stability and the abundance in supermarkets, something unimaginable in Cuba. Another Cuban working in the Spanish healthcare system stated that digitalization and medical autonomy are incomparable to the precarious situation on the island. A Cuban residing in Spain reflected on nostalgia and roots, arguing that missing Cuba does not mean wanting to go back to living there.
The phenomenon of Cuban emigrants sharing their cultural shock continues to grow on social media, sparking debates about development, road education, and the contrast between government systems.
Karlita's video, beyond being a simple anecdote about traffic lights, reflects a common experience among Cubans who arrive in Spain and confront a new reality.
Although what she describes may seem obvious to many, for those who have lived in Cuba, where traffic rules are less respected and the infrastructure is precarious, these kinds of details become small surprises that highlight the profound differences between the two countries.
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