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The Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola posed a question this weekend that sparked an intense debate on social media: “Would you return to live in Cuba if it were free?”
The post, made on its official Facebook profile, gathered over 1,700 comments in less than 24 hours, many of which categorically responded with no.
Among the most notable responses is that of the artist herself, who made it clear by stating, "I wouldn't go back, at least not of my own accord."
Nuviola's questioning struck a sensitive chord within the Cuban exile community and among those who have emigrated in recent years, becoming a space for collective reflection on the future, belonging, and the wounds that still linger despite the imagined possibility of a free Cuba.
Among the hundreds of reactions generated by the post, some users provided more thoughtful responses.
The internet user Jesús Martínez Pérez commented: "Aymee Nuviola, in any case, it is neither healthy nor fair to completely hate the place that gave us life, because to deny our roots is, in a way, to deny ourselves."
The singer firmly responded: "No hatred, what does the root have to do with living there again? If they don't want any of us exiles there for anything other than to send money."
Julio César Hernández Rodríguez expressed honestly: “I read the comments and it fills me with much sadness and shame... I understand everyone's point of view... those of us who are here who hope to see Cuba reborn... those of us who have decided to spend our youth here expecting that moment (which who knows if it will ever arrive), we will fight for it to be different and one day achieve a Cuba of immigration and not emigration.”
Another user, María Costa, shared a reflection on the cultural and social challenges that a transition to freedom would entail: “Unfortunately, even if Cuba were free starting tomorrow, many years would have to pass before the mindset of the Cuban out there changes and learns to live in freedom. Until that happens, Cuba will not truly be free.”
Other internet users, like Carlos Estrada, took a more definitive stance on the matter: "I would never live in Cuba... not even in that free Cuba that is often talked about and we all know is impossible, because the dictatorship can be overthrown, but there is something more significant that threatens the development of a country, and that is the social debacle that exists."
His comment revealed a deep distrust in the possibility of immediate reconstruction, even in a post-dictatorial scenario.
In contrast, Manuel González Viera offered a more nuanced perspective, emphasizing the need for a long and educational process: “It will be a process. People need to educate themselves, learn to live in freedom, learn to respect the freedoms of others. Cuba needs to rid itself of hate and misery, it must purge everything that is not useful, and that is a process,” he maintained.
And he added: “We, the Cubans in exile who have already been educated by other systems and have the means to contribute to the rebuilding of our country, will be largely committed to this project. Where will I be worth more than in my country when it is free? I am infinitely grateful to the United States for giving me the opportunity to reinvent myself, to have a dignified job, and to live in freedom. But if all of this could be brought to Cuba, that’s where my heart is.”
In May 2025, singer Aymée Nuviola surprised her followers on social media by sharing a musical parody in which she poked fun at the image of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta during their official visit to Russia.
In her piano improvisation, the artist criticized Cuesta's flashy outfit and the luxuries displayed by Díaz-Canel, in contrast to the deep economic crisis facing Cuba.
The piece, shared on her Instagram account, received thousands of interactions and was celebrated for its irreverent tone, with the phrase "they're heels, heels" standing out as part of the chorus that resonated with her followers.
In December 2024, Nuviola had taken an even stronger stance by publicly joining the denunciations regarding the conditions of political prisoners in Cuba.
The artist shared an image on her social media of the young Cuban Yosvany González Viera, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for expressing himself against the government on social media.
In his message, he denounced the repression of the Cuban regime and showed his support for the activists who shine a light on the abuses in the island's prisons.
Frequently asked questions about the possibility of a free Cuba and the Cuban exile
Why wouldn’t Aymée Nuviola return to live in Cuba, even if she were free?
Aymée Nuviola stated that she would not return to Cuba of her own accord, reflecting the pain and ongoing wounds felt by the Cuban exile community. Despite envisioning a free Cuba, many Cubans in exile feel that the current social, cultural, and political conditions are not conducive to an immediate return.
What do Cubans in exile think about returning to Cuba if it were free?
Aymée Nuviola's question prompted various responses, but most of the comments reflected a reluctance to return even if Cuba were free. The reasons include distrust in an immediate change and the perception that social and economic conditions would not improve quickly.
What challenges would Cuba face in a transition to freedom?
Cuba would face significant cultural and social challenges, such as the need to educate its population to live in freedom and respect the freedoms of others. This process of social and economic reconstruction would be long and complicated, affecting exiles' perceptions of a possible return.
What role do roots and nostalgia play in the decision to return to Cuba?
Roots and nostalgia are powerful factors in the identity of Cubans in exile, but they are not always enough to motivate a definitive return. Many Cubans place a higher value on stability and opportunities in their host countries, even though they miss certain aspects of their life in Cuba, such as family and culture.
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