“Tato, what is this?”: A Cuban in Brazil goes viral for this custom that she doesn’t lose from her homeland

A Cuban woman in Brazil goes viral on TikTok by showing how she washes her hair in the Cuban style, generating nostalgia and connection among Cubans who maintain their traditions abroad.

Cuban in BrazilPhoto © @yaimarelys.lara / TikTok

A Cuban woman living in Brazil has stirred up a buzz on TikTok after sharing a video of herself washing her hair in true Cuban style, hunched over in the yard, with a bottle of shampoo and a bucket of water.

The video, posted by the user @yaimarelys.lara, is accompanied by the phrase: “She left Cuba, but Cuba did not leave her,” and has already generated numerous reactions among followers, many of whom relate to the everyday scene.

"That's how we Cubans are," "A respectable Cuban never loses her traditions," and "That's what we are, root and flavor," commented several users who recognized a piece of life on the island in the scene.

The video, in addition to bringing smiles, has sparked a wave of nostalgia among those living outside of Cuba who keep their traditions alive despite the distance.

From improvisation to authenticity, the clip has become a reflection of the identity that many Cubans carry with pride, wherever they are.

Cuban Customs and Nostalgia on Social Media

Why has the video of the Cuban woman in Brazil washing her hair gone viral?

The video has gone viral because it reflects a daily custom of Cuba that many Cubans still maintain abroad. The scene has resonated with the audience as it evokes nostalgia and pride for Cuban roots and traditions, despite the distance from the island.

What Cuban customs are maintained in the diaspora?

Cuban customs that are maintained in the diaspora include making the most of resources down to the last drop, such as adding water to shampoo or reusing plastic bags. It also includes the creative use of common objects, like using a rice cooker as a flower pot, reflecting a blend of ingenuity and nostalgia for the cultural practices of the island.

How do people react to these videos on TikTok?

The reactions to these videos are often ones of identification, nostalgia, and humor. Many people, both Cuban and of other nationalities, relate to these customs and share similar experiences. Frequently, the comments celebrate the creativity and cultural resilience reflected in these videos.

What does the preservation of these customs symbolize for Cubans abroad?

The preservation of these customs symbolizes a strong connection to their roots and a way to keep their cultural identity alive. For many Cubans abroad, these practices serve as a means to emotionally resist the distance and hardships, reaffirming their sense of community and belonging.

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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.