A Cuban resident in Louisville, Kentucky, has touched the hearts of hundreds of users on TikTok after posting a video in which he takes his mother, who has just arrived from Cuba, to visit her first store in the United States.
"First store my mom visits," reads the caption on the clip posted by user @blued_diamond (Devis), in which the woman’s excitement is evident as she walks through a Citi Trends location, a chain known for offering low-cost clothing. "She came in here very excited... it's the first store she visits in the United States," the young man narrates with jokes and comments filled with affection and humor. "She wants to come to the United States to be a prosperous old lady," he says while his mother examines accessories and clothing. Upon seeing a shiny cap, the woman responds with laughter that it shines more than the carriage from Villa Clara, and she dismisses a huge shoe because, as she puts it, "that would take up the entire suitcase and I have to bring a lot of things back to Cuba."
The video has generated dozens of comments expressing support and excitement. "I cry tears of joy for you," "Let her be, don’t let her go back," "I’m also waiting for my mom," "It’s so beautiful to see you together," can be read among the reactions. Some expressed concerns about the mother's return to Cuba, while others noted how well she seemed to have adapted, even without a coat. There were also warnings about the use of electronic cigarettes, expressions of empathy, and many messages of blessings for having the opportunity to experience that moment with family.
Days earlier, the same influencer had shared the emotional reunion at the airport with his mother in a touching video where “he finally met his grandchildren” after years of family separation, generating a wave of messages of joy and empathy on social media.
This type of content has gained popularity on social media for authentically portraying the "firsts" of Cubans who have recently arrived in the United States. Among them, notable cases include a Cuban who cried after his first purchase at a supermarket, another who was shocked when entering a Walmart, a 77-year-old man who experienced his first car wash as a spectacle, or a Cuban mother who became emotional upon seeing bread and fruits at a Publix store.
These scenes reflect the contrast between scarcity in Cuba and abundance in the United States, as well as the emotional impact of reuniting with loved ones after years of separation. They also highlight the symbolic value that simple gestures like buying clothes or visiting a store acquire. Devis's video is a new testament to the process of adaptation and reunion that thousands of Cuban families experience each year. And as he humorously expresses: “This is how any Cuban who has just arrived is... poor thing, my friend.”
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans in stores in the U.S.
How did the Cuban mother react when visiting a store in the U.S. for the first time?
The Cuban mother showed great emotion and surprise when visiting a store in the United States for the first time, reflecting the stark contrast between scarcity in Cuba and abundance in the U.S. During her visit, she expressed astonishment at the variety of products available, highlighting the differences in the shopping experience between the two countries.
What impact does the arrival of Cubans in the U.S. have on their cultural adaptation?
The arrival of Cubans in the U.S. involves a significant process of cultural adaptation. The "first times" in everyday experiences, such as visiting a supermarket or a store, are often shocking and emotional. These experiences not only reflect the material contrast between the two countries, but also symbolize a new beginning and the possibility of a life with greater opportunities.
Why are family reunion videos so popular among Cubans in exile?
Videos of family reunions are popular among Cubans in exile because they reflect the deep value of family bonds and the emotion of coming together after long separations. These heartfelt moments resonate with many Cuban families who have experienced separation due to migration, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience.
How do Cubans feel when comparing stores in the U.S. to those in Cuba?
When comparing stores in the U.S. to those in Cuba, Cubans often express astonishment and excitement due to the vast amount and variety of products available in American establishments. This comparison highlights the deficiencies and limitations of the supply system in Cuba, making shopping experiences in the U.S. striking and eye-opening for many.
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