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Liuver Figueredo, a Cuban migrant in Brazil, shared his experience of taking his mother, who had just arrived from the island, to a supermarket for the first time.
“Today I fulfilled another small dream, I took the queen mother to the market, I told her: ‘Put whatever you like in the cart.’ She looked at me like a child and I said, ‘WHATEVER YOU WANT.’ At first, she hardly picked anything, but then she loosened up, and it even scared me,” the young man shared.
"But it brought me so much joy, because every little whim for me is an immense satisfaction. Live, Mom, as we have gone through enough together; now it's your time. I prepared myself to make you smile and please you in EVERYTHING!!!," she added.
Figueredo has been documenting his life in Sao Paulo with his Cuban mother on social media, sharing the joy of their reunion, the excitement of the welcome, the first Cuban meal, and more.
The impact of the first visit of Cubans to supermarkets after leaving Cuba, the shock caused by the encounter with abundance after living in scarcity, has become a trending topic on the social media of the island's migrants.
Recently, a Cuban mother's reaction went viral, moved and surprised, during her first visit to a Publix supermarket in the United States.
In two videos shared on TikTok by her daughter, the reactions of the newly arrived Cuban to so many bread and fruits are shown.
“Look at this bread, my goodness; it's been ages since I've seen bread like this; look over here, my God; oh my God, in my life; just look at that, my dear,” are some of the spontaneous reactions of the lady in response to the variety and offerings of products.
Last month, a Cuban resident in Louisville, Kentucky, moved 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), which captures the woman's excitement as she explores a Citi Trends location, a chain known for offering affordable clothing.
"Here she walked in very excited... it's the first store she visits in the United States," the young man narrates, filled with jokes and comments laced with tenderness 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans Abroad
Why are the experiences of Cubans in foreign supermarkets so striking?
The experiences of Cubans in foreign supermarkets are striking due to the stark contrast between the abundance of products abroad and the scarcity in Cuba. Many Cubans are astonished and excited to see the variety of food and products available, a reality that is very different from the limited options they face on the island. This difference creates a significant emotional impact, especially for those experiencing their "first time" in an environment of plenty.
How do these changes affect Cubans who have recently arrived abroad?
The changes for Cubans who have just arrived abroad are both emotional and cultural. Adapting to a new environment where access to goods and services that were once unattainable is available can be overwhelming. However, it also represents an opportunity for freedom and an improved quality of life, which often translates into a mix of joy and nostalgia for what was left behind.
What role do social media play in the dissemination of these experiences?
Social media plays a crucial role in the dissemination of these experiences by allowing Cubans to share their stories of adaptation and reunification with family. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook have witnessed the viral spread of these moments, generating empathy and support from other users who have experienced similar situations. This phenomenon not only highlights the differences between Cuba and other countries but also provides a space for connection and solidarity among those who share similar stories.
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