An 87-year-old Cuban grandmother, newly arrived in Spain, once again touched social media with her reaction upon discovering a prawn for the first time. The moment was shared on TikTok by her grandson, the user @rumi.bro, who has posted other videos of the elderly woman since her arrival in Spain.
On this occasion, the grandmother watches in amazement as she tries to guess the name of the seafood and understand how it is eaten. Upon hearing her grandson's explanation about how to prepare and consume the shrimp, she expresses her surprise upon realizing that only a small part of the body is eaten, while the rest is discarded. "And that little tail is thrown away?" she asks in disbelief before commenting that there’s "a small piece" left that, according to her grandson, has "an amazing flavor."
The affection of the users
The post sparked a wave of positive comments on TikTok and Instagram, where followers from different parts of the world praised the grandmother's sweetness, innocence, and charm. “The logic of the grandmother, hahaha,” commented one user, laughing. Others noted that her warmth reminded them of their own relatives and the emotions of many Cuban migrants when encountering everyday products outside the island.
"I can’t handle it, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen," wrote an internet user. "Come to Galicia with Grandma, so she can eat the best seafood in the world," suggested another. There were also messages of reflection and affection: "God bless her and always protect her, may she not return to Cuba, she is very happy there," wrote a follower.
A viral face of family reunion
This new video adds to a series of viral posts featuring the same grandmother, who recently arrived in Spain after nearly a decade without seeing her grandson. In previous clips, also shared by @rumi.bro, she was seen getting emotional upon entering a supermarket for the first time and recalling how much the products cost in Guanabo.
Another viral moment that generated a lot of discussion was when the elderly woman reacted to tasting an ice cream cone, asking in astonishment if the wrapper was edible and describing the experience as “life itself.”
The images have touched thousands of users on social media, who have highlighted the contrast between the scarcity experienced in Cuba and the abundance that access to basic products in other countries represents for many emigrants.
Seafood, an unattainable luxury for many Cubans
The grandmother's surprise has led to broader reflections on the unequal access to seafood products in Cuba. Despite being an island surrounded by the sea, the consumption of seafood such as lobster and shrimp is virtually non-existent for a large part of the population. In recent years, it has been reported that lobster fishing has significantly declined, even as it remains one of the country's main export commodities.
According to official data presented in state media last September, the shortage of resources, energy, and equipment has restricted fish production for the domestic market, although the export plans are being met, particularly for shrimp and lobsters.
For years, it has been reported that Cubans must turn to the informal market to access fish, and that even in provinces with large fishing complexes, the product is not sold freely. Meanwhile, catches are allocated for export or tourism, and the prices, when available, are prohibitive for many.
On social media, videos and testimonials have also circulated that denounce the situation. In one of them, a man harshly summarized the shortages: “I live on an island and I don’t have either fish or salt”.
An implicit complaint
The videos of @rumi.bro's grandmother not only evoke tenderness. They also serve as a silent protest against the historical shortages faced by the Cuban people. The emotion stirred by seeing a simple seafood for the first time actually reflects decades of scarcity and policies that prioritize the acquisition of foreign currency over local food access.
Beyond the anecdotal, this grandmother's surprise symbolizes the emotional impact of emigrating and accessing, for the first time, small luxuries that have become unattainable in Cuba. Her spontaneity and sweetness have turned these moments into an intimate portrait of migration, family, and the persistent inequalities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cuban Grandparents Abroad
Why does the Cuban grandmother seem surprised to see a prawn in Spain?
The Cuban grandmother is surprised to see a prawn because she had never seen one before, due to the scarcity of seafood in Cuba. Despite being an island, access to seafood such as prawns is limited for the Cuban population, as most of the catch is allocated for export or tourism.
What reactions have the videos of the Cuban grandmother generated on social media?
The videos of the Cuban grandmother have generated a wave of positive comments on social media, highlighting her sweetness and innocence. Many users feel identified and moved, seeing in her reactions a reflection of the emotions of Cuban migrants when encountering common products outside of the island.
What does the grandmother's surprise at seeing products from abroad symbolize?
Grandma's surprise at seeing products from abroad symbolizes the emotional impact of emigrating and accessing, for the first time, small luxuries that have become unattainable in Cuba. These videos serve as a silent protest against the historical shortages faced by the Cuban people due to the regime's economic policies.
How does the scarcity in Cuba affect access to seafood such as prawns?
The scarcity in Cuba significantly limits local access to seafood such as shrimp for the local population. Despite being a product of the island's natural environment, most of the catch is destined for export and the tourism sector, leaving Cubans with few options and prohibitive prices in the informal market.
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