The Cuban tiktoker Dany Belett bid farewell to his homeland with an emotional video that has gone viral on social media. “When you feel that your growth and your freedom are at a standstill, it's time to say goodbye,” he shared in the clip, where he shows his departure from Havana to Mexico. His farewell has sparked a wave of supportive reactions and has reignited the debate on Cuban migration.
"Goodbye, Cuba. In search of a dream and freedom," reads on the screen as Cuban content creator Dany Belett (@danybelett) films from the window of an airplane. The scene is part of a TikTok video that has sparked hundreds of reactions from users inside and outside of Cuba.
With images of his passport, the boarding pass to Mexico City, an emotional farewell with his mother, and later scenes enjoying basic products in his new country — such as pizza, soda, and shopping at the supermarket — the young man documented his permanent departure from the country.
"When you feel that your growth and freedom are at a standstill, it's time to say goodbye. 'Which country welcomed me?' Belett wrote in the post, accompanied by hashtags like #cuba, #cubanosporelmundo, and #cubanosenmexico. Although he did not explicitly mention the receiving country, visual cues suggest that Mexico is the initial destination."
Reactions to his arrival in Mexico: between welcome and criticism
The post was filled with messages of welcome and solidarity. Many internet users expressed their happiness for the young man's decision and wished him success in this new chapter. Others acknowledged the bravery of emigrating in search of better living conditions.
However, critical questions and comments also emerged. Some users expressed skepticism with phrases like "the drama" or "what a shame, and they keep coming." Others voiced their concerns about the challenges migrants face in Mexico, including issues of insecurity, racism, or economic difficulties. There were even those who questioned the Cuban migration process, asking how one could leave the country legally and with what resources.
A chronicler of Cuban reality
Before his departure, Dany Belett became popular on social media for documenting the daily struggles faced by Cubans. His videos combined humor and social criticism, often going viral as they reflected the widespread frustration over the high cost of living and low wages on the island.
In April, he was featured in a video titled “I Feel Cheated”, where he tested imported products purchased from a MIPYME: energy drink for 450 CUP, potato chips for 480 CUP, and a Kinder egg for 750 CUP. His complaint about the prices sparked extensive debate among those living inside and outside of Cuba.
In another video, he visited a dollar store in Holguín and showcased everyday products with prices in foreign currency, such as a broom priced at 5.65 dollars. “The purchase of this experiment exceeded a month's salary,” he commented at the time.
He also starred in a chronicle where he documented how his salary as a nurse, 4,410 Cuban pesos, was exhausted with just a basic purchase. Between toothpaste, beans, and eggs, he had practically no room left for other expenses. His final phrase in that video was striking: “No one can live here.”
The case of Dany Belett encapsulates the sentiment of many Cubans who, faced with an increasingly precarious economic situation and no prospects for improvement, choose to emigrate. His farewell has become more than a personal act; it has turned into a symbol of a collective decision that continues to shape the present of thousands of families on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration and the Case of Dany Belett
Why did Dany Belett decide to leave Cuba?
Dany Belett left Cuba in search of personal growth and freedom, as he felt that his development was stalled in his homeland. His departure to Mexico is part of a broader phenomenon of Cuban migration in search of better living conditions.
What has been the reaction on social media after Dany Belett's departure?
The farewell of Dany Belett has generated a wave of support and solidarity reactions on social media, although there have also been criticisms and skepticism regarding his decision to emigrate and the challenges faced by Cuban migrants in Mexico.
How has Dany Belett become a symbol for other Cubans?
Dany Belett represents the feelings of many Cubans who face difficult economic conditions and choose to emigrate in search of a better future. His story reflects a collective decision made by thousands of families seeking opportunities outside of Cuba.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Mexico?
Cuban migrants in Mexico face issues of insecurity, racism, and economic difficulties. Furthermore, some question the immigration process and the resources required to establish themselves legally in the country.
How has Dany Belett's content influenced perceptions of the situation in Cuba?
Dany Belett became popular for highlighting the daily challenges faced by Cubans, such as the high cost of living and low wages. His videos, which blend humor and social critique, have sparked extensive debate about the conditions on the island.
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