"It seems like we are there, but we are here." With those words, a Cuban mother in the United States shared an emotional video on TikTok featuring her son riding in a stroller in the quintessential style of Cuban neighborhoods.
The video, posted by the user @arlines98, shows the boy happily pushing a stroller made by his dad out of wood, wheels, and a structure very similar to those used by previous generations on the Island for play, right in the middle of a street in a residential area in the United States.
"Happy with the stroller made by her dad with so much love," reads the clip, which has sparked a wave of nostalgia among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
"I don't think it feels the same; many things are missing... the children with more strollers, the neighbor shouting that they can't see the TV... there's just nothing like it," commented a user on the post.
Meanwhile, another added with laughter: “You have to attach it to the floor and put something on the steering wheel so your hands and nails don’t get scraped like mine did, because I almost lost my hands.”
The scene, which blends childhood memories with the characteristic ingenuity of Cubans, is a demonstration of how culture and memory remain alive even thousands of kilometers away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Culture in Exile and Nostalgia
How do viral videos reflect the nostalgia of Cubans in exile?
Viral videos showcase everyday and emotional scenes that connect Cubans with their culture and memories of the island, generating a wave of nostalgia among those living outside the country. Through TikTok, moments like family reunions and traditional games are shared, evoking life in Cuba and keeping cultural identity alive despite the distance.
Why are family reunions important for emigrated Cubans?
Family reunions are crucial because they symbolize resistance, hope, and love, fundamental values for those who have had to leave their country. These moments allow families to reconnect emotionally, strengthening ties that are affected by distance and the circumstances of migration.
What does the use of traditional Cuban objects abroad symbolize?
The use of traditional Cuban objects, such as a handmade cart, symbolizes the ingenuity and creativity of the Cuban people, as well as an emotional connection to culture and personal and collective history. These objects are a way to preserve and transmit cultural identity to new generations abroad.
How does migration influence the perception of present-day Cuba among Cubans abroad?
Migration affects the perception of Cuba by creating an idealized image that contrasts with the everyday reality of the country, especially for the children of emigrants who only know the island through temporary visits. This creates a dilemma between nostalgia for past experiences and the actual conditions faced by those who still reside in Cuba.
Filed under:
