From the Rosalía de Castro park, the largest and most iconic in Lugo, a Cuban celebrated her first month in Spain on TikTok, not just as a newcomer, but as the main character in a story that many families still dream of living: leaving Cuba legally, with family, and with a possible future.
“It's no secret that leaving Cuba is difficult, complicated, and much more,” Walkys says sincerely, before recounting how, thanks to the Law of Democratic Memory, her husband was able to obtain Spanish nationality and she received a community family visa. With that document, and after a long process, she managed to travel with her daughter from Cuba to Spain, without separations, without irregular routes, and without leaving anyone behind.
The law, approved in Spain in 2022, has allowed many descendants of Spaniards in Cuba to apply for citizenship. In their case, this right opened a door that seemed impossible: the chance to emigrate safely and as a family. “Thanks to this law, to the thousands of procedures we navigated under the sun, the long waits for document legalization, appointments and more appointments… we were able to travel to Spain together,” they summarize.
The story is not idyllic. “I’m not going to romanticize it,” he clarifies. The visa was just the beginning. Upon arrival, he encountered crowded markets and new landscapes, yes, but also bureaucracy, uncertainty, and a question that constantly lingers for newcomers: “What comes next?”
Her testimony, shared with simplicity and warmth, has moved many on social media, where numerous Cubans share similar experiences and others, still on the island, listen with hope. “You have begun the path of the emigrant,” writes a follower to her, “the reality is harsher than fiction, but if you believe in yourself… you will succeed.”
Before sharing his experience from Lugo, Walkys had already revealed intimate snippets of the journey: the thrill of receiving the visa stamped in his passport, the farewell to family in Cuba, and the heaviness of leaving even his pet behind. In one of the most poignant images, he is seen carrying his daughter at the airport and writes: “We did it for her”. This drive — to protect family and seek a possible future — runs through the entirety of his story.
Already in Spain, the Cuban has also shared interesting details about her adaptation process, such as the things that surprised her the most upon arriving in the country: windows with shutters, organized trash containers, or sunlight until ten at night. Her perspective as a newcomer has sparked interest and conversation among Cubans and Spaniards.
Because even though the journey has been long, for Walkys, being able to travel it with family changes everything.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emigration of Cubans to Spain
What is the Law of Democratic Memory and how has it facilitated the emigration of Cubans to Spain?
The Law of Democratic Memory, approved in Spain in 2022, has enabled many descendants of Spaniards in Cuba to apply for Spanish citizenship. This law has opened a legal pathway for Cuban families to emigrate together, as is the case of Walkys, who managed to move to Spain with his family thanks to this regulation. However, the process can be lengthy and is subject to bureaucracy and established deadlines, which expire in October 2025.
What are the main challenges that Cubans face upon arriving in Spain?
Upon arriving in Spain, Cubans face challenges such as cultural adaptation, bureaucracy, and uncertainty about the future. While they find improvements in quality of life, such as abundant markets and accessible basic services, they must also deal with job searching, social integration, and cultural differences. These challenges are part of the process of starting a new life in a different country.
Why do many Cubans decide to emigrate from their country?
Many Cubans choose to emigrate in search of better life opportunities, economic stability, and a secure future for their families. The economic and political situation in Cuba, marked by power outages, resource shortages, and limitations on personal freedoms, drives many to seek a fresh start in countries like Spain, where they hope to find better living conditions.
How has the Cuban community reacted on social media to the stories of emigration?
The Cuban community on social media has shown great interest and support for emigration stories. Testimonies like Walkys' have touched many, generating messages of encouragement and sharing similar experiences. Social media has become a space where Cubans can express their dreams, challenges, and achievements, creating a support network among those who have emigrated and those who still remain on the island.
Filed under:
