A video shared on TikTok by Cuban user Rosabel Almeida has gone viral after showcasing a daily scene that many women from the Island — and beyond — will instantly recognize: intense cleaning, barefoot, disheveled, with good music and unafraid of water.
The recording, which has already amassed thousands of views, shows Rosabel pouring buckets of water onto the floor of her home while she dances and sings, embodying what she describes as the "Cuba style."
The overlay text in the video humorously explains the keys to this technique: "Barefoot, messy hair, lots of water, a mop, and good music." In the video's description, the author adds a phrase that has been praised by dozens of users: "The louder the music, the cleaner the house gets."
Although the scene takes place in a modern home outside of Cuba — as suggested by the appliances and decor — the way of cleaning has created an immediate sense of identification among Cuban émigrés, who have flooded the comments with messages such as “this is exactly how I clean,” “it doesn’t matter the country, that habit doesn’t change,” or “it’s the only way to really get the floor clean.”
Far from being just a simple household routine, the video highlights a cultural practice with roots in daily Cuban life, where cleaning the home has traditionally been a task that combines physical effort, abundant water, and musical rhythm as an antidote to monotony.
In many households, this way of mopping the floor—with plenty of water and without fear of getting everything wet—is a symbol of “deep” cleanliness and pride in a well-maintained home.
The clip has also sparked debates about gender roles and the customs that Cuban women uphold even in exile. Beyond nostalgia, many emphasize that it is a way to stay connected to their roots, even though they now live in Miami, Madrid, or Milan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Practices in Cuban Culture
Why has Rosabel Almeida's video about Cuban-style cleaning gone viral?
The video has gone viral because it showcases an everyday scene that culturally resonates with many Cuban women, both on and off the island. The way of cleaning, barefoot, with loud music and plenty of water, evokes a tradition deeply rooted in Cuban identity, emotionally connecting with many émigrés who feel nostalgic for these practices.
What is the "Cuba style" cleaning technique that Rosabel presents in her video?
The "Cuba style" technique involves cleaning barefoot, disheveled, using a lot of water, a mop, and good music. This practice is not only a way to keep the home clean but also a cultural expression that combines physical effort and music as a means to make household chores more enjoyable.
What does deep cleaning symbolize in Cuban culture?
Deep cleaning symbolizes pride in a well-maintained home and is a practice rich in cultural significance. In many Cuban households, using plenty of water and enjoying music during cleaning is a tradition that reflects the importance of keeping personal spaces clean and organized, as well as the desire to preserve cultural roots despite living abroad.
What debates has the cleaning video by Rosabel Almeida generated?
The video has sparked debates about gender roles and the customs that Cuban women uphold even in exile. Many users have highlighted that this cleaning style allows them to stay connected to their roots, while other comments have questioned the relationship between gender and domestic tasks, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of these responsibilities at home.
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