Cuban content creator Diana Fleites, known on TikTok as @ayylolaaa, has shared an emotional video that has resonated deeply with her followers: her return to Cuba to reunite with her father, despite the political and social divisions surrounding these trips from exile.
In the video, filmed on a Cuban beach, Diana walks alongside her father along the shore. The images are accompanied by intimate reflections that directly address the controversy often surrounding Cubans living abroad who decide to return to the island. "Politics divides, but my love for my dad brings me back," she wrote about one of the scenes. In another snippet, she adds: "I didn't come back for a government, I came back for the man who taught me to walk."
The clip has been well received by its followers, many of whom shared words of support and understanding. "You go and share all your love with your loved ones; our relatives are not to blame for the filthy politics in this world," commented one user. Another message noted: "Your best decision is that, and in this way, you teach your little one the value of family."
Alongside the video, the young woman posted a message that summarizes her stance on the criticisms: “Before diving into other people's profiles to draw conclusions and criticize without knowing each person's story, focus on tending to your own plants. And you will see your garden flourish.”
A gesture that repeats itself: the value of reunions
It’s not the first time that Diana has touched hearts on social media with a similar gesture. In June 2024, she traveled from Miami to surprise her father with a mariachi serenade on Father's Day. On that occasion, the song she chose was one that her father used to sing to her when she was a child. “Let’s make them happy while we still can,” she wrote in the shared video at that time.
An open debate in the Cuban community
Diana's experience adds to a broader debate about travel to Cuba by Cubans living abroad. In September 2024, Dayexis Alles, another Cuban in the U.S., defended her return to the island claiming that her main motivation was to see her mother. “As long as I'm alive and can, I will keep going to see her,” she stated on TikTok.
A few months later, in February 2025, the user @yai_lent sparked a strong debate by stating that although she left Cuba for political reasons, she still has personal reasons to return. She traveled to say goodbye to her 95-year-old grandmother and said, “We have enough reasons to go back.”
In March of this year, the influencer Devis (@blued_diamond) also defended on social media his right to visit Cuba, emphasizing that, despite the criticism, family remains the most important thing for many Cubans in exile.
The dilemma of those who left
Although many emigrated for political or economic reasons, others insist that maintaining family ties should not be seen as a betrayal or a contradiction. Testimonies like Diana's reflect that, for many Cubans abroad, returning is not a political gesture, but an emotional necessity.
“ My journey is not a statement, it is a hug that I owed,” Diana concludes in her video. For her —and for many others—, it’s not about where they are, but who they are with. And if that “who” is a father, a mother, or a grandmother waiting, then the return seems inevitable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Travel of Cubans in Exile to Cuba
Why do some Cubans in exile decide to return to Cuba?
The return to Cuba of many Cubans in exile is primarily due to family and emotional reasons. Although some left the island for political or economic reasons, the desire to reunite with loved ones, such as parents, grandparents, or children, outweighs political divisions. Stories like that of Diana Fleites reflect that familial love is a strong motivation to return.
What challenges do Cubans face when they temporarily return to the island?
Cubans returning to the island often face emotional and logistical challenges. Many feel like strangers in their own land due to the personal and social changes that have occurred during their absence. Additionally, they must confront the reality of the economic crisis in Cuba, which includes difficulties in obtaining basic goods and services. Despite these challenges, the desire to see family remains a strong motivator.
How is the return to Cuba perceived within the Cuban community abroad?
The return to Cuba from exile is a topic that sparks intense debate within the Cuban community abroad. While some see it as a betrayal or a contradiction to their original reasons for emigrating, others defend the right to maintain family ties. Testimonies like that of Diana Fleites show that for many Cubans, the return is an emotional necessity rather than a political gesture.
How have social media influenced the narratives of returning to Cuba?
Social media has played a crucial role in highlighting the experiences of returning to Cuba. Platforms like TikTok allow Cubans to share their stories of family reunions, generating empathy and support among users. These videos not only emphasize the value of family but also open the discussion about the political and economic realities of the island.
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