"I am Cuban, in Mexico, and today I am going to show you something that has surprised me a lot since I arrived here in Mexico." This is how the video begins, posted by content creator Leo Ortíz, known on TikTok as @elpapi_de_lasmamis, where he shares his experience of discovering little shops on every corner.
"And the thing is, here in Mexico there's a little shop on every corner. I wish there was that in Cuba, you know, where you can get everything you want, literally," he says as he records his walk through the neighborhood in Zitácuaro, Michoacán.
"This is just around the corner from where I live... all the little shops that you can go into, and they have everything from snacks to fruit..." she explains, pointing to each establishment. "It hurts me that my family cannot enjoy these things, that in Cuba there are no such opportunities and varieties of goods."
Although he acknowledges that in Cuba "there are indeed some cafes, there are places where individuals sell things from their own homes," he states that "specific things like what I'm showing you, that doesn't exist, that's just for pleasure."
The video generated dozens of reactions, with welcoming comments such as: “Welcome, many of us dream of the American dream, and if for you this is the dream Mexico, welcome friend,” wrote one user. Another commented: “May God grant you to bring your family soon. Welcome to the Cubans. And I wish you success in your career.”
There were also critical messages: "So when are you leaving Mexico?" wrote one. "And why did you leave Cuba?" asked another.
A follower tried to put the contrast into perspective: “For us, it’s normal, but for you, it’s a privilege. What is everyday for us, you see as a dream come true.”
This type of testimony has become common among Cubans who migrate to Mexico and share on social media the contrasts with life on the island. In February of last year, an elderly couple went viral when they were astonished by the number of products they found in a Mexican store. In another video, a young Cuban woman broke down in tears after being able to buy her first pots.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans in Mexico
What surprises Cubans when visiting stores in Mexico?
Cubans are surprised to find a wide variety of products in Mexican stores, something that contrasts with the scarcity they experience in Cuba. In Mexico, they can access basic goods such as fruits, clothing, and stationery items, which are considered luxuries on the island.
Why do Cubans consider access to stores in Mexico a privilege?
In Cuba, the availability of products is limited and most stores are government-operated, which results in goods being scarce and expensive. In contrast, in Mexico, Cubans can choose from a wide range of products, from food to clothing, at affordable prices.
How do Cubans react when they find Cuban products in Mexico?
Cubans are thrilled to find typical products from their country, such as coffee or beers, which are currently hard to come by on the island. These products evoke nostalgia and a sense of connection to their homeland.
What do Cubans say about life in Mexico compared to Cuba?
Cubans highlight the abundance and diversity of products in Mexico, as well as the ability to access basic services such as electricity or drinking water, which are irregular or scarce in Cuba. This allows them to have a better quality of life and feel more free and autonomous.
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