A Cuban woman in Spain has sparked debate on TikTok after declaring that she does not plan to return to Cuba, not even for a visit, as long as the country remains under a dictatorship. In a video posted on her account @amuletoss_by_yuni, she responded to a comment asking if she was born in Spain. "No, I was not born in Spain; I was born in Cuba. I moved when I was 20, I have been here for 27 years, so Spain is clearly winning by a landslide and will win much more because I do not intend to go back to Cuba, not even for a visit," she stated.
The woman detailed that she has only traveled to the island twice since she emigrated, and that both experiences were difficult. “The first time, I was overwhelmed by nostalgia because it had been just over a year since I had given birth. The second time was with my one-year-old son. It was really tough, by the way. My son almost stayed there, because you can't find medicine, you can't find twenty thousand things,” she recalled. Her last trip was in 2006, when she returned solely to process documents for her siblings.
“I have my immediate family here, so I haven't lost anything in Cuba. And I won't step foot there. I have no need to,” she stated. Furthermore, she was firm regarding the Cuban regime: “I am not willing to walk under a balcony and have it fall on my head, nor to suffer any hardships or needs, or anything like that. I also don’t intend to leave a single cent to the dictatorship. I’m sorry, but I won’t go down that path.”
The statements sparked dozens of reactions on the platform itself, dividing opinions between those who support her stance and those who criticize it. Many backed her decision and shared similar experiences: “I haven't been there in eight years and don't plan to go. It's not about renouncing your roots, it's common sense,” commented one user. Another wrote: “I've been away for 24 years and don't plan to return. I won't support a dictatorship. Ma'am, go see the mountains of garbage.”
Several users argued that it is not a denial of origin but a conscious rejection of the conditions in which the Cuban people live. “She does not renounce her roots or her homeland. She rejects the misery and sadness that the dictatorship has imposed on the Cuban people,” noted one comment. Another remarked: “Perhaps you are more Cuban than many who go every year. People confuse and mix things up.”
Some opinions highlighted the emotional conflict involved in that decision: “I have been here for 20 years, and I carry my Cuba in my heart. Many times I wonder how one can detach from all of that. I haven't been able to, and I think I never will.” Another person stated: “I love my homeland and feel nostalgic, but for now, I don’t want to return. I hardly have anything or anyone left there. It’s getting worse and worse.”
However, criticisms were also noticeable. Some users accused the Cuban of "renouncing her homeland" and felt that her words were too harsh. "Those who turn their back on their homeland and their roots... life has so many twists and turns that you never know where you'll end up," read one comment. Another replied: "You should never say 'I won't drink from that water,' the world turns many times."
Several comments focused on the woman's change in accent, accusing her of having "lost" her Cuban speech. "Girl, speak Cuban," wrote one user, while another mocked: "You've been here for 27 years and you talk like that, haha." In response, some came to her defense: "She can choose to speak however she wants, just as you choose to comment on the lives of others."
Others called for respecting individual decisions without judgment: "Everyone does what they want with their life and their rear end a drum. Respect and be happy," someone commented. Another message emphasized: "You will never stop being Cuban because of that. My respects."
The video, which continues to garner reactions, reignites an old debate among emigrated Cubans: the dilemma between attachment to their roots and rejection of the system that forced them to leave. While some choose to maintain a connection with their homeland despite everything, others, like this Cuban in Spain, have decided to sever all ties with the country until conditions change. They do so without nostalgia or guilt.
Frequently asked questions about Cuban emigration and the rejection of the regime
Why do some Cubans abroad prefer not to return to Cuba, even for a visit?
Many Cubans living abroad choose not to return to Cuba due to their rejection of the dictatorial regime and the difficult living conditions on the island. Often, the lack of medicine, food, and basic services discourages those who consider visiting, in addition to not wanting to contribute financially to a system they view as oppressive.
What is the main reason why Cubans emigrate and choose not to return?
The search for better opportunities and living conditions for themselves and their families is the main reason why many Cubans emigrate. In the current Cuban context, the lack of freedoms, the economic crisis, and the scarcity of basic services are decisive factors for not returning, even for a visit.
Is it common for Cubans abroad to feel nostalgia for their homeland even if they do not want to return?
Nostalgia is a common feeling among Cubans living abroad. Although many do not wish to return due to the current conditions in the country, they miss their cultural roots, childhood memories, and the family they left behind. However, this nostalgia does not necessarily imply a desire to return to live in Cuba.
What impact does the Cuban regime have on the decision of emigrants not to return?
The Cuban regime plays a crucial role in the decision of many emigrants not to return. The perception of oppression, lack of freedoms, and the government's inefficiency in improving living conditions are factors that contribute to the reluctance to go back, as returning would mean living under a system that does not support their aspirations for freedom and dignity.
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