"Spain is not just a country, it's air that has no weight", reflects young Cuban emigrant Amed González from Spain on his TikTok account, where he recounts the profound contrast between daily life in Cuba and the experience of emigrating to Europe.
From his profile @amed.cubanitofit, the young man shares his emotions and observations after arriving in Spain. In one of the videos, he states that "there is a before and an after that can only be understood when you cross that sea of uncertainties," and describes how on the island "you get used to waiting in line for basic things, to finding a way to solve problems even when there is nothing to solve, to living each day as a struggle, not as a life." He details that a gesture as common as turning on the tap and seeing a steady flow of water astonished him: "you find yourself thinking, is this possible? Is this normal?"
In a second video, published consecutively, he deepens his reflection. He emphasizes that in Spain, “it is not a luxury to have light, transportation, the internet, to go to the market and choose without it being a nightmare,” and highlights that “here you do not have to steal for what is basic.” He believes that “Spain is not just a country; it is air that does not weigh, it is breathing easy, it is making the future stop being an empty word.” He also encourages other Cubans dreaming of emigrating: “Don’t give up, on the other side of the island there is a world that you can’t even imagine, it’s something you can breathe in.”
The posts have sparked a chain of emotionally charged responses. Comments like “in the first few days, I wondered if there would be water” or “it's freedom, though with a pang in my chest for what we left behind,” reflect a strong identification with the young man's experience. Other Cuban migrants in Spain congratulate him for daring to share his story and assert that deciding to emigrate was the best thing they have done in their lives.
These personal expressions are part of a growing narrative among Cubans who, from various corners of Spain, use social media to share their adaptation process. Amed is not the only one who has chosen this path. A few weeks ago, Yasy Vidal, a young migrant residing in Malaga, published a video in which she recounted how she went from being a computer engineer in Cuba to a waitress in Spain, proudly defending her work: "Being a waitress does not erase my degree, my story, my goals, or my essence; on the contrary, it adds layers of strength, humility, and humanity."
The case of an 87-year-old Cuban grandmother also caught attention as she was astonished to see the price of a pack of juices in a Spanish supermarket, believing it was 1.50 euros per unit when in fact it was the price for the whole package. Her grandson shared the moment on TikTok, highlighting the stark contrast with the prices in the island.
Another recent testimony was from the creator known as Franklyn_botanica, who shared his experience from Madrid regarding the treatment he received from the Spaniards. He stated that his experience has been "incredible," with gestures of kindness in stores, restaurants, and public transport, and sparked a debate among his followers about the perception of Cuban immigrants in Spain.
Stories like that of Amed González contribute to this collective archive of shared experiences, which not only reveal the challenges of emigrating but also the psychological impact of life in Cuba. “Don’t lose faith, don’t give up, because we deserve more,” he concludes in his post, blending hope, nostalgia, and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Emigration to Spain and Their Experiences
How do Cuban emigrants describe the difference between living in Cuba and in Spain?
Emigrant Cubans emphasize access to basic services such as electricity, water, and food, which are a luxury in Cuba. In Spain, they have the opportunity to choose and enjoy a standard of living that seems unattainable on the island.
What do Cubans feel when confronted with the abundance in the supermarkets of Spain?
Upon arriving in Spain, many Cubans experience surprise and excitement at seeing the variety and availability of products in supermarkets. This contrast to the scarcity in Cuba evokes feelings of wonder and nostalgia.
What are the main challenges for Cubans emigrating to Spain?
Cubans face challenges such as finding employment and adapting to new cultures. Many must accept jobs that do not match their qualifications due to the lack of recognition of their degrees. Additionally, the high cost of living and the lack of stable legal status complicate their integration.
How does nostalgia affect Cuban emigrants in Spain?
Nostalgia affects Cubans as they remember their families and life in their homeland. Although they face challenges in Cuba, they miss their loved ones and the traditions of their land, which adds an emotional layer to their adaptation in Spain.
What message do Cubans convey by sharing their experiences on social media?
When sharing their experiences, Cubans seek to highlight the difficulties of life in Cuba and the contrast with their new realities abroad. These testimonies reflect the struggle for a better life and criticize the system that limits opportunities on the island.
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