“Light for their spirits”: Cuban returns to Cuba and pays an emotional tribute to his father and brother with beer in the cemetery

A Cuban shares an emotional tribute on TikTok to his father and brother, who passed away, in a cemetery in Cuba, opening a beer in their honor. The gesture moves many on social media.

Return to CubaPhoto © @victorraydelferna / TikTok

A Cuban who returned to the island after some time away shared a moment filled with emotion and nostalgia on TikTok while visiting the cemetery where his father and brother are buried.

"Honoring my father and brother in Cuba, light for their spirits," he wrote in the video he posted on his TikTok account (@victorraydelferna), where he is seen opening a beer in front of the graves of his loved ones, as part of an intimate ceremony of tribute and remembrance.

In the images, filmed under the sun in a Cuban cemetery, the man appears wearing a cap, a sports shirt, and a small backpack, visibly moved by the moment.

The gesture has moved many users on social media, who have left messages of support and understanding for the way he chose to pay tribute to his family. "What a lovely gesture," "A lot of respect for that visit," commented some followers.

These types of scenes reflect the deep bond that many Cubans maintain with their roots and family, even from afar. For those who emigrate, returning to the country and visiting those who are no longer there is an act filled with symbolism and love.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Cubans to the Island and Tributes to Loved Ones

Why do many Cubans pay tributes in the cemetery when they return to Cuba?

Tributes at the cemetery are a way to keep family ties alive and honor those who have passed away. These acts are common among emigrant Cubans, as they reflect the emotional connection and respect for their ancestors and loved ones, symbolizing the love and memory that endure despite the distance.

What does it symbolize for a Cuban to return to the island after emigrating?

Returning to the island symbolizes an act of love and connection with one's roots. For many Cubans, returning to their country, even if only temporarily, is an opportunity to reunite with family, honor their ancestors, and reaffirm their cultural identity. These moments are profoundly significant and emotional, especially after long periods of separation.

How is emotion expressed in the family reunions of Cuban emigrants?

Family reunions of Cuban emigrants are characterized by hugs, tears, and intense emotions. These moments reflect the importance of family in Cuban culture and the joy of being together again after long periods of separation. Videos of these reunions, shared on social media, showcase the strength of family bonds and the hope of overcoming distance.

Why do Cubans document their reunions and tributes on social media?

Documenting these moments on social media allows for the sharing of personal experiences and connecting with others who have undergone similar situations. For many Cubans, social networks serve as a means to express nostalgia, love for family and roots, and to find support and understanding in a globally dispersed community. These videos also serve as a testament to the reality of emigration and its emotional effects.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.