A Cuban mother in Madrid has touched the hearts of thousands of social media users with a heartfelt reflection on the reasons that led her to emigrate. In a video posted on TikTok, the woman—identified as Yexela González—shared a conversation she had with a Spanish father in a park, who asked her why she had left Cuba.
"I was happy in Cuba," she begins to say. "I had my home, my business, my husband, friends, love... but when I became a mother, I understood that I had to leave my country."
He explained that his children dream of simple things like visiting a zoo or going to a water park, goals he considers unattainable for a Cuban family on the island. “A Cuban parent has to choose which dream to fulfill for their child each year, and often only partially. If I am unable to share in the achievement of those dreams with them, what am I doing here?” he questioned.
To that reason, another more personal and generational one was added: “I don't want to be a grandmother trapped in Cuba,” she said. “I want to be just one plane ticket away to be able to celebrate with my children and grandchildren.”
The account has generated a wave of reactions on TikTok, with over four thousand "likes" and hundreds of comments. While many users, both Cuban and from other nationalities, identified with the story and highlighted the individual's bravery, others expressed criticisms, some even with xenophobic messages.
"God bless you and your children, may all your dreams come true," wrote one user. Another commented, "You made me think, I also left Cuba for my children." However, there were responses such as "Then go back to Cuba and leave us in peace" or "She’s paid to say such nonsense," which contrasted with the majority support.
The story of this Cuban mother is part of the narratives of thousands of compatriots who have left the island in search of a better future for their children. Amid one of the deepest migratory crises in recent times, Cuba is losing its youth, families, and professionals, in a diaspora marked by hopelessness, but also by a desire for freedom, dignity, and opportunities.
From the island, other Cuban mothers have begun to document on social media the harsh reality of raising children amid scarcity, blackouts, and skyrocketing prices. Recently, young @gelylaflaki shared on TikTok the painful testimony of how many times she can only give her daughters rice and has to choose between buying food or a toy, even when she has the money. Another case is that of @anita.cubanita64, who showed the everyday drama of losing her child's puree after a nighttime blackout and cooking with charcoal to survive. These mothers, from within Cuba, denounce the same shortages that led Yexela to emigrate: the inability to guarantee their children a dignified, safe, and minimally happy life.
Frequently asked questions about the emigration of Cubans and their motives
Why do many Cubans decide to emigrate from Cuba?
Many Cubans decide to emigrate due to the lack of opportunities and the desire to provide their children with a better future. The economic and social limitations within the island make achieving simple dreams, such as visiting a zoo, unattainable for many. Moreover, Cuban mothers seek to avoid being "trapped" in Cuba, wishing to be just a plane ticket away from reuniting with their children and grandchildren.
What challenges do Cuban mothers face when they emigrate to improve their children's future?
Cuban mothers face the pain of family separation and the judgment of those who do not understand their decision. Despite the emotional sacrifice, many prioritize their children's future, emigrating alone in order to later support their families from abroad. This often involves temporarily leaving their children in Cuba, which is an extremely difficult decision.
How do social media react to the testimonies of emigrated Cubans?
The testimonies of Cuban émigrés evoke a wide range of reactions on social media, from empathy to criticism. Many users resonate with and support these stories, while others express critiques, some even xenophobic. Social media becomes a space for debate on forced migration and the emotional toll it entails.
What role does the family play in the decisions of Cubans who emigrate?
The family is a crucial factor in the emigration decisions of Cubans. Many emigrate with the hope of reuniting with their loved ones and improving their living conditions. Family separation is a constant reason that drives Cubans to seek a better life abroad, prioritizing family well-being above any other consideration.
Filed under:
