An 87-year-old Cuban grandmother once again touched the hearts of thousands of users on TikTok after being shocked by the price of a juice pack in Spain. In the video, posted by her grandson under the username @rumi.bro, the elderly woman looks on in astonishment at a pack of six juices valued at 1.50 euros, initially believing that price referred to just one unit.
"Six for that price?" she asks incredulously at first, prompting laughter and affectionate comments from users following the series of videos featuring her since her recent arrival in Spanish territory.
The moment reflects for many the stark contrast between the prices of basic goods in Europe and those faced by Cubans on the island.
Reactions: between tenderness and denouncement
The post has generated an avalanche of comments ranging from excitement and empathy to economic criticism and even political reflections. Phrases like "The grandmother of all Spaniards," "Take good care of her, how lucky you are to have her with you," or "Let her enjoy now what she never had in Cuba" are repeated among the most popular messages.
Some internet users quickly drew comparisons to the current situation in Spain: “1.50 euros is extremely expensive,” several users commented, while others sarcastically noted that the European country “is going down the same path as Cuba.” There were also messages directed to the young man's family: "You’ve made your grandmother the happiest woman, congratulations, man."
The contrast with Cuba was inevitable. More than one user recalled that with the minimum pension in the island, one can hardly purchase a basic product. The grandmother, in a reflective tone, commented that in Cuban Mipyme stores, for the price of a pack of six in Spain, one can only get one in Cuba. The remark was interpreted as an implicit denunciation of the economic deterioration on the island.
It's not the first time it moves you
This scene is just the latest in a series of viral moments featuring this grandmother since her arrival in Spain. Previously, her first visit to a supermarket went viral, where she was moved in front of refrigerators filled with pizzas and ice creams, to the point of saying through tears that "dust got in her eyes" when her grandson asked her why she was crying.
Days later, users were touched to see how she ate an ice cream cone, asking whether the paper was edible and reacting with surprise when trying it for the first time.
In another video, she appeared puzzled by some prawns, not understanding how they were eaten or why parts of the seafood were discarded, a scene that sparked an outpouring of affection on social media.
The backdrop: an increasingly expensive Cuba
The reactions of this grandmother make even more sense when contrasted with the situation that millions of Cubans face today. The price of a bottle of oil has reached 1,400 Cuban pesos, nearly equivalent to the minimum monthly pension received by 39% of retirees.
Precarity was also highlighted when a retiree spent her entire pension on a single product, and in another instance, a young visitor claimed to have spent the monthly salary of a Cuban in just five minutes inside a store selling in dollars.
On his part, economist Pedro Monreal warned that the year-on-year inflation exceeds 20% and that the country is undergoing a phase of stagflation, with rising prices, depressed consumption, and declining production, further exacerbating the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living and the Emigration Experiences of Cubans
Why does the Cuban grandmother find the price of juices in Spain so surprising?
The 87-year-old Cuban grandmother is surprised to find out that a pack of six juices costs 1.50 euros, since in Cuba, for the same price, she could only buy one unit. This contrast reflects the significant difference in prices and purchasing power between Cuba and Spain, which astonishes those who emigrate from the island.
What are the main reactions of Cubans when accessing basic goods abroad?
Cubans who emigrate often experience a mix of wonder and excitement when accessing basic products that are scarce or unattainable in Cuba. Reactions include disbelief, surprise, and often, tears, as the abundance in countries like Spain sharply contrasts with the scarcity on the island.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect the elderly population, such as the grandmother in the video?
The economic situation in Cuba is particularly difficult for the elderly population, who rely on insufficient pensions to cover basic needs. The grandmother in the video represents many Cuban retirees who cannot access essential products due to high prices and low purchasing power.
What do the viral videos of the Cuban grandmother on social media symbolize?
The viral videos featuring the Cuban grandmother symbolize more than the sweetness of her reactions; they serve as a silent protest against the economic decline and scarcity in Cuba. These videos reflect the inequalities and limitations that Cubans have faced for decades, highlighting the emotional and social impact of migration.
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