A Uruguayan content creator has gone viral on TikTok after posting an emotional video praising the Cuban community in Uruguay for their hardworking, grateful, and respectful attitude. His message, enthusiastically received by both Cubans and Uruguayans, reinforces a growing trend on social media where Caribbean migrants share their experiences in the South American country.
"Cubans are taking over TikTok in Uruguay, and I love it. I love seeing the gratitude they have for Uruguay, and the love they have for Uruguay, sometimes even more than we do," states the TikToker @fercode07 in the video, which has exceeded 70,000 views and garnered thousands of comments. The author also shared a personal experience related to caring for his father in a hospital, where —he said— "a Cuban nurse took care of him, the best. End of story. They cared for him better than anyone else." He also emphasized that "they come to work and to fulfill their dreams, and that’s beautiful," concluding by saying, "they are very welcome, come, stay."
An avalanche of gratitude and emotion
The reactions to the video were overwhelming and, for the most part, deeply emotional. Hundreds of Cubans, both inside and outside Uruguay, expressed their gratitude with kind words. “Thank you, I came to adapt, to respect your customs, and above all to work,” wrote a user who claimed that she had no opportunities in Cuba but has found them in Uruguay. Another woman, who works as a companion in hospitals, commented, “We didn’t come to take anything from anyone, just to move forward with love and respect.”
Many shared similar personal experiences to that of the tiktoker. A Cuban resident in Montevideo recounted that her daughter is a gynecologist in Uruguay and that her entire family has been welcomed with warmth, while another user remembered that his mother, who is 103 years old, is cared for by a Cuban worker in a residential facility and describes her as "loving and dedicated."
Even people who no longer live in Uruguay expressed their attachment to the country. “I lived there for six years and I love it. Uruguay is my second home,” wrote a woman from the United States. Another person expressed gratitude that “Uruguay gave us what our own country did not: dignity, security, and peace.”
Uruguayans also joined in with messages of welcome. One user stated, “For me, they will always be welcome; I genuinely wish them the best in our little country.” Another emphasized, “The beauty of my country is its people; we are hosts at heart.” Some defended the work of Cubans in response to isolated criticisms. When someone remarked that “Cubans have it all easy,” the creator themselves responded, “Nothing comes easy for them; they work hard and strive more than most. If anything, they should complain to those who hire them instead of you.”
Cubans in Uruguay: a collective narrative
The video by @fercode07 adds to a growing trend of content created by Cubans documenting their lives in Uruguay through social media. Figures like @lachinauruguay have touched thousands with reflections on everyday happiness, while others, like Doctor @edenny30, have shared the professional challenges of practicing in a different healthcare system. These stories also include testimonies about public transportation, the cost of living, and the process of social integration.
In one of those videos, a young Cuban contrasted the transportation conditions in Cuba with the accessibility in Uruguay, recalling that “many times I had to hang on the bus door in Havana,” and expressing gratitude for being able to board a bus without fear or risks. Her testimony generated empathy among migrants and local residents.
Another video, published in June, tells the stories of migrants who explain why they left Cuba and how they found in Uruguay a place with better opportunities for studying, working, and living with dignity.
Beyond Uruguay: the appreciation for Cubans transcends borders
This type of recognition towards Cubans has also been seen in other contexts. In the United States, a video published by the Mexican mother @lizz_vato moved thousands as she spoke about her autistic son’s therapist, a Cuban professional. “My baby, the youngest, has been in therapy for four months due to bullying he experienced at school; he is autistic, and miraculously, my son's therapist is Cuban,” she expressed. She added that “my son's therapy takes place in the park, the therapist is playing with my son in the language of his mother, in Spanish, in the park.”
In her reflection, the woman stated that "God placed me near the Cubans because we are very similar; nothing brings us down, we laugh at our own tragedies, we are always happy." Her message prompted a flood of positive comments from Cuban users, who expressed their gratitude for her words and shared similar experiences of professional dedication, empathy, and care.
Uruguay, a new home for many
Despite the initial challenges—ranging from immigration procedures to cultural or economic barriers—many Cubans claim to have found in Uruguay a stable and safe nation where they can thrive. In the words of one user who shared their testimony after watching the viral video, “here I can work, live peacefully, and look to the future with hope.”
The Cuban community continues to grow and integrate into various areas, especially in healthcare, commerce, and services. Meanwhile, messages like those from @fercode07 go viral not only for their friendly tone but also because, for many, they symbolize the possible coexistence between sister nations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to Uruguay and Its Social Impact
Why did the video of a Uruguayan praising Cubans go viral?
The video by Uruguayan content creator @fercode07 went viral because he publicly praised the hardworking and grateful spirit of the Cuban community in Uruguay. His message resonated with thousands of people on TikTok, surpassing 70 thousand views and receiving an avalanche of positive comments from both Cubans and Uruguayans. This virality is part of a growing trend of migrants sharing their life experiences in Uruguay through social media.
How do Cubans describe their migration experience in Uruguay?
Cubans in Uruguay share their experiences through social media, describing a mix of gratitude and resilience. Many highlight job opportunities and quality of life, although they acknowledge challenges such as the high cost of living and the initial difficulty in finding employment. Despite these challenges, they feel welcomed and appreciate the chance to thrive in a more stable and secure environment than that of Cuba.
What kind of jobs do Cubans find in Uruguay?
Cubans often find employment in sectors such as health, commerce, and services. Common jobs include roles such as caregivers in senior living facilities, cooks, drivers, and cleaning staff. For those who manage to validate their degrees, there are opportunities in professional fields such as medicine and nursing. However, competition is high due to the presence of a qualified migrant community from various countries.
What challenges do Cubans face when emigrating to Uruguay?
Upon emigrating to Uruguay, Cubans face challenges such as cultural integration, the cost of living, and job searching. Although they find a safer environment with better opportunities than in Cuba, they must adapt to a new labor and social system. The process of validating diplomas and the need to establish a network of contacts to find work are significant barriers for many migrants.
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