The Cuban user @madyelypieiro4 shared a video on TikTok defending her decision to travel to Cuba to see her mother, despite the criticism. Her direct and emotional message has sparked a wide-ranging debate on social media about travel to the island from exile.
“Gentlemen, understand one thing: the person who goes to Cuba is not going to enjoy or to tour; they go to Cuba because they left something important there, a family member,” he stated, emphasizing that it is not about vacations or luxury, but rather an emotional necessity.
In response to comments suggesting that he could take his mother to a more comfortable tourist destination like Punta Cana, he said: “One of the questions that kept coming up was: why don’t you take your family to Punta Cana instead of going to Cuba... The people who don’t go to Punta Cana do so because they can’t afford it, so don’t ask such absurd questions, gentlemen.”
She was also emphatic in saying: "I am going to Cuba with luggage in hand and with a ticket booked, and I’m bringing my family a couple of little things, whatever I can buy. I’m not going to Cuba as a tourist, I won’t rent a car, I’m not going to hotels, because I can’t."
The video reflects her outrage at the accusations that those who return to the island "feed communism." "I don't care, gentlemen. As long as my mother is there, I will go. Thank God I have a mother who deserves the world and more. I know I can't give it to her now, but one day I will," she expressed, visibly emotional.
He nostalgically recalled his mother's sacrifices: “I had that kind of mother who, if there were two steaks, one was for me and my little brother, and she would eat just the rice. If there was only one steak, she would cut it in half, half for me and my brother, and she wouldn’t eat at all.”
"Therefore, the least I can do is go to Cuba to bring a smile to her face, so she can spend time with her grandson, to make her happy amid so much misery," he added, reiterating that his visits are not a political act, but a personal one.
In response to those who claim that traveling to the island is risky, the young woman clarified: “Don’t let them scare you. You can still go. At the airport here, they don’t look at you, and at the airport there, they don’t look at you either. There’s no problem as long as you have your paperwork in order and no criminal record.”
A voice that finds resonance
The video by @madyelypieiro4 sparked reactions on TikTok, receiving dozens of comments, most of which were supportive. Several users shared similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with family, even under challenging circumstances.
"I am also going for my mother, and whenever I can, I will go. I do not support communism; I support my mother," commented one user. Another wrote: "My mother is going blind, and she only asks God not to lose the little sight she has left so she can see me again."
Messages such as "Family is the most important thing and is above any fear. No law can prohibit seeing a loved one" or "I agree with you 100%. We are two who think the same" were repeated in various forms, reflecting the sentiments of many emigrants.
Some people expressed gratitude for speaking openly: "You spoke for many" and "You made me cry with your video; everything we experience as Cubans is very sad." Another user shared: "I feel the same way. My heart, my parents, my little sister, my grandparents all stayed there."
There were also those who defended the decision with economic arguments: “I’m not going to spend that kind of money in Punta Cana. In Cuba, I don’t spend what Punta Cana costs… I spend it on food and leave whatever is left for my mother” and “Going to Cuba with a ticket, a suitcase, and a little bit of money is enough, but it’s very comforting to be with your loved ones.”
One follower was straightforward: "I went this month and had an incredible time in Cuba, 15 days in Cayo Guillermo," while another added, "I've been without seeing my family for 3 years and have lost hope of going. I don't even have a job."
The tone of gratitude was common. Comments such as “God bless you, you’ve said what many of us don’t speak,” “Exactly, as long as those I love are there, I will keep going,” and “Go as often as you can. May God help you and bless you always” contributed to the overall support.
However, there were not lacking critical nuances. “No one can tell you what to do or not to do, but every action has consequences,” someone pointed out. Another user was more direct: “The question is: who are you giving those explanations to? Each person does what they want with their life.”
"Even from a realistic perspective, another person pointed out: 'Surely those who do not speak honestly are the ones who cannot take their families on vacation; we are grateful to God that we can go to Cuba to share with our loved ones, even with power outages and in any circumstances.'"
A comment summed up the collective sentiment: "My mother is my everything. I'm going to see her. That mother of mine is unconditional."
Recurrent debate on Cuban travel to the island
The video is not the first one shared by @madyelypieiro4 on the topic. In July, she had already touched the hearts of thousands of users by showcasing her return to the island after four years of absence. The images depicted her emotional reunion with her brother and niece, sparking a wave of empathetic comments among Cubans in exile.
Another case that sparked controversy was that of @melcolumbie, who responded to the criticism with a phrase that went viral: “Politics doesn't interest me, my family does.”
However, not everyone agrees. Figures like boxer Yordenis Ugás have publicly questioned those who claim that trips to Cuba are exclusively for family reasons. “I went nine years without seeing my mom... But I became a resident due to a political law... Respect that, damn it”, Ugás said in a recent video.
In the same vein, Cuban Oriannis, who lives in Jacksonville, stated on TikTok: “You don't go to Cuba to see your family. You go to Cuba because they treat you like a god.”
Despite the divisions, it is clear that the videos addressing this topic continue to gain visibility and reignite the debate within the Cuban community about what it means to return to the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba from Exile
Why do Cubans in exile continue to travel to Cuba?
Cuban exiles travel to Cuba mainly for family and emotional reasons. This is not about tourism or luxury, but rather the need to reunite with loved ones who remain on the island. Often, these trips are prompted by health situations or the strong emotional bond with their family members, as expressed by the user @madyelypieiro4 in her viral video.
Is it safe for Cubans abroad to return to Cuba?
Currently, there are no significant immigration restrictions preventing Cubans abroad from returning to Cuba, as long as their documents are in order and they have no criminal record. Users like @elianni9505 have shared their travel experiences, indicating that they did not encounter issues when entering or leaving the island.
Do trips to Cuba from abroad fuel communism?
This is a controversial issue. Some critics argue that any spending on the island indirectly supports the regime. However, many exiled Cubans maintain that their priority is to help their families, not to support the government. The main intention of these trips is to provide emotional and material support to their loved ones.
Is it expensive to travel to Cuba from abroad?
Yes, the costs of traveling to Cuba can be high, including the price of airfare and essential goods that many bring for their families due to the shortages on the island. Despite this, many Cubans in exile prioritize these trips to help their loved ones, even though it often involves a significant financial sacrifice.
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