The Cuban content creator @sisoyfelix_, based in Spain, caused a stir on social media with a video humorously comparing how Cubans live in Miami and in Europe.
“Black vision, third-world perspective, and immigrant,” he introduces his reflection with a sarcastic tone. He then describes everyday customs that, according to him, highlight the differences between both migratory experiences.
Food also divides
According to @sisoyfelix_, "the Miami Cuban defends the croqueta as if it were a national symbol, breaking down the fat content, texture, and salt level, as if they were a sommelier of cholesterol."
On the other hand, "the European has learned to drink with 'tapas' on the table and gets excited by words like 'fermented' and 'coca cola zero.' Sometimes they make a congrí, but with brown rice. The spirit is there, but the body betrays it."
Regarding the eating routine, he says: “Florida has those menus with steak and mango juice, a Cuban coffee, and then bread with roasted pork at 3:00 am, because you don’t sleep there.”
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Cuban "serves you those cheeses accompanied with red wine, because rum is incredibly expensive. And it’s a blessed tradition to have three courses for dinner."
Love, depending on where you live
"The Cuban from the United States falls in love quickly, is jealous, noisy, and buys a chain with the initials of his girlfriend after just two days. If she leaves him, he changes his profile picture to a meme featuring a violin and a whiskey."
For its part, "the European Cuban falls in love slowly, writes poetry, gets involved with a French woman with emotional trauma, and ends up in group therapy at a social center Ocupa, where they do yoga at 7 in the morning."
The language: an intervened Spanish
"Then there is that rupture in the language for both of them, because they both speak Spanish. Yes, but the Cuban in the United States speaks it with an infiltrated English that seems like a CIA spy."
Félix gives an example: “Bro, I went to the mall and found out there were pieces left in the warehouse. So, I had to wait.”
In contrast, "the Cuban in Europe has absorbed phrases that no one asked for. Aunt was freaking out because the bus wasn't coming and I got caught in the rain. What a situation."
A humorous reflection
The video by @sisoyfelix_ has resonated with Cubans both on and off the island due to his straightforward approach, using humor to address the cultural differences within the diaspora.
His deliberately exaggerated comparisons serve as a mirror for those who have had to adapt to new ways of living without completely losing their Cuban roots. And you, are you from Miami or Europe?
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration and Cultural Differences
How do the experiences of Cubans in Miami and Europe compare?
The experiences of Cubans in Miami and Europe differ significantly in various aspects of daily life. In Miami, Cubans tend to maintain and reinforce culinary and cultural traditions, often mixed with American influences. In contrast, Cubans in Europe tend to adapt to European customs, adopting new culinary and social traditions, which sometimes leads to a shift in their cultural identity.
What food differences do Cubans face abroad?
Cubans abroad experience significant changes in their diet due to the availability and variety of foods. In Miami, Cubans enjoy traditional dishes like churrascos and Cuban coffee, while in Europe they tend to adopt local eating habits, such as consuming cheeses and wines. This adaptation can lead to a blend of culinary customs that reflect both their roots and their new reality.
How does the environment affect the love lives of emigrated Cubans?
The love life of Cuban expatriates varies depending on the environment they are in. In the United States, the approach may be more impulsive and emotional, while in Europe, a more reflective and poetic style can be observed. These contrasts reflect the cultural influences of the host countries and how they shape personal relationships.
What role does language play in the adaptation of emigrated Cubans?
The language plays a crucial role in the adaptation of emigrated Cubans, as it reflects their integration into the new environment. In the United States, the Spanish of Cubans often mixes with Anglicisms, while in Europe, local idioms are incorporated. These linguistic changes can be a source of identity and belonging, but also of conflict with their original roots.
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