A 87-year-old Cuban grandmother has gone viral on social media after becoming emotional upon discovering, for the first time in her life, a supermarket filled with products in Spain. The woman, who recently arrived from Cuba, stars in a series of videos published on TikTok by her grandson, user Rumi Bro, where she expresses her amazement at the variety of pizzas, ice creams, and other available foods.
"Are these all pizzas too? In all different sizes?" she says amidst laughter, astonishment, and excitement, while her grandson shows her the various sizes and flavors in the refrigerated section of the supermarket.
At another moment, he points to a coconut ice cream and remarks nostalgically, "Is that coquito? You know how much they used to cost me in Guanabo... 20 cents."
The scene that has touched users the most occurs when the grandson asks her, "Why are you crying, grandma?" and she, trying to hide her emotions, responds, "No, it's just that I always get dust in my eyes." The young man, moved, promises her, "Now you're going to eat this every day."
A family reunion after nine years
The video is part of a series in which the creator (@rumi.bro) recounts his reunion with his grandmother, whom he hadn't seen in almost a decade.
In previous posts, the young man showcased his grandmother's arrival in Spain and the deep connection between them, set against a backdrop of migration and family separation that affects thousands of Cubans.
Criticism of the treatment of products
Despite the emotional tone, one of the videos sparked controversy over how the young man handled the pizzas. Many users criticized him for not putting them back in their proper place. Comments such as "Food should not be thrown," "You could have left the pizzas as they were," or "This isn't a flea market," were frequently echoed on TikTok, alongside messages reflecting on the importance of respecting the work of employees and the products in stores.
A common reaction among Cuban emigrants
The excitement of this grandmother when facing the abundance of the supermarket is not an isolated case. Last November, another newly arrived Cuban expressed through tears: “Too much food, dear. In Cuba, people go hungry”.
Similarly, another Cuban was thrilled to make his first purchase at a supermarket in the United States. While pushing the cart full of products, he said: “My heart breaks in two, thinking about the people in Cuba”.
These reactions have been documented in other viral reports that illustrate the emotional impact of access to abundance on emigrants who have lived under a system characterized by scarcity, as in the case of a young woman who cried upon seeing a shelf full of bread in the U.S. or a Cuban father who was overwhelmed while visiting a supermarket in Mexico.
The reaction of a Cuban mother in a Mexican pharmacy also went viral, as she was astonished by the freedom to film and by the immense variety of products available in contrast to the scarcity in Cuba.
More than tenderness, a silent protest
The videos, while filled with tenderness, also serve as an implicit indictment of the harsh reality in Cuba. For many Cubans, seeing foods that are unattainable in their country evokes a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and pain. These types of reactions have become a symbol of the contrasts between life on the island and the opportunities that exist beyond it.
The video of the grandmother has not only touched the hearts of those who have seen it, but it also serves as a reminder, once again, of the emotional toll of migration and the effects of prolonged shortages on several generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans Abroad and Family Reunions
Why do Cubans get so emotional when visiting supermarkets abroad?
Cubans feel a surge of emotion when visiting supermarkets abroad due to the wide variety and abundance of products that stand in stark contrast to the scarcity and limitations they face in Cuba. This experience is often an emotional shock that reflects the deep inequalities in access to basic goods between Cuba and other countries.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect emigrant families?
The economic crisis in Cuba causes many Cubans to emigrate in search of better opportunities and living conditions. This leads to prolonged family separations and a significant emotional impact on the emigrants, who experience a mix of relief for the opportunities abroad and sadness for the relatives left behind facing daily hardships.
What role do social media play in the experiences of Cuban emigrants?
Social media is a key platform for Cuban emigrants to share their experiences and make implicit complaints about the shortages in Cuba. Viral videos and posts allow emigrants to showcase their stories, connect with others in similar situations, and stay in touch with their families on the island through emotional and reflective content.
What are family reunions like for Cubans who have emigrated?
Family reunions for Cuban emigrants are moments filled with emotion, affection, and nostalgia. These gatherings highlight the importance of appreciating and caring for loved ones, especially the elderly, and are regarded as an emotional gift after long periods of separation due to forced migration caused by the economic crisis on the island.
Filed under:
