“Here, the atmosphere feels different,” asserts a young Cuban in Spain, who shared on social media the five things that profoundly surprised him upon arrival: from the respect for pedestrian traffic signals to the punctuality of public transportation.
Their testimony, shared in a video, depicts the daily contrast experienced by many Cuban emigrants as they face, for the first time, standards of coexistence, services, and freedoms that are unimaginable on the island.
"I came prepared for many things, but these five left me as cold as a Galician winter," comments the content creator known as @estibito_vlogs in a video that has already gathered hundreds of reactions on TikTok.
Among the elements that surprised him the most are the respect for pedestrian traffic lights, the cleanliness of the streets, the punctuality of public transport, the courtesy of the people, and the adherence to market prices. “In Cuba, that is just decoration,” he says when talking about traffic lights, adding that in Spain, crossing on red is almost seen as a crime. Regarding the punctuality of transport, he comments: "In Cuba, transport is more like a promise; here it’s pure mathematics."
His testimony has been widely celebrated by users from both Cuba and Spain. Comments like “brother, with that attitude you connect,” “thank you for valuing my country,” and “people like you are what we need” recur among the responses. Others, however, have pointed out that Spain also has its shortcomings: “Thank you for the positive feedback, but there are also things that aren't so great,” wrote a user.
A wave of similar testimonies
The experience of this young man adds to a growing narrative on social media, where Cuban migrants share their experiences in Spain. Recently, the Cuban Amed González reflected that “Spain is not just a country, it is air that doesn’t weigh anything,” while contrasting his new life with the precariousness in Cuba: “Here it is not a luxury to have electricity, transportation, internet, go to the market, and have choices.”
It also highlighted the testimony of a Cuban woman who described her first experience with the Spanish public healthcare system as "being in a five-star hotel", impressed by the digital organization and the treatment received from the professionals. Her perspective sparked both applause and debates regarding the current state of the healthcare system.
Another viral case was that of an 87-year-old Cuban grandmother, amazed to see a prawn for the first time in a Spanish supermarket. Her grandson documented the reaction, which sparked thousands of comments filled with tenderness, but also reflection on the chronic scarcity on the island.
The tiktokera Karlita also caused a stir by expressing her surprise at seeing how cars stop automatically when a traffic light is pressed. "Welcome to capitalism, my love", she said, sparking an intense debate about road safety education and cultural differences.
A shared experience
Stories like these are part of a collective memory that reveals the cultural shock that many Cubans experience when emigrating, as well as the stark contrast with life on the island. For many, the mere fact of having constant access to electricity, water, or food becomes a source of amazement and gratitude.
The young man from @estibito_vlogs summarizes it this way: "Spain has its quirks, yes, but these five made me say: here you can breathe differently."
Frequently asked questions about the experience of Cuban emigrants in Spain
What are the most common surprises Cubans experience when they arrive in Spain?
Many Cubans who arrive in Spain are surprised by aspects such as the respect for pedestrian traffic lights, the cleanliness of the streets, the punctuality of public transportation, the politeness of people, and the adherence to prices in the market. These experiences stand in stark contrast to the reality in Cuba, where these aspects are not common.
How do Cubans perceive public healthcare in Spain?
Cubans who have accessed public healthcare in Spain often describe it as remarkable compared to that of Cuba, praising the digital organization and the treatment by professionals. Some compare it to "five-star hotels" due to the quality of service.
What emotional impact do Cubans feel when they see the abundance of products in Spain?
The access to a wide variety of products in Spanish supermarkets generates a strong emotional impact on Cubans, who often feel nostalgia and sadness for their families in Cuba, where shortages are common. For many, seeing shelves filled with staple products is a reason for astonishment and reflection.
What challenges do Cubans face when integrating into Spanish society?
Some Cubans find it challenging to make new friends in Spain, which may be due to cultural differences or the social environment. Many rely on old friendships or seek to integrate through work and community.
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