After six years without seeing his family, a young Cuban returned to his homeland and shared the emotional moment on TikTok. The video, posted on his profile (@adanysrojasperez), is filled with hugs, tears, and restrained joy, and went viral within hours, surpassing 400,000 views. However, not everyone noticed that.
Among the thousands of moved messages, there was one detail that particularly caught the attention of many users: the car. The young man arrived in a modern vehicle, presumably rented, and for some, that overshadowed the significance of the reunion. “He’s in an amazing car, yet his mother doesn’t even have her own house,” wrote one user. Other comments followed, such as: “What he spent on the car could have been shared with the family, and it would have been better than showing off,” or
“I see a nice reunion, but I don’t see any improvement in his mother’s little house; I only see a nice car meant to impress.”
The criticism was not unique, and in fact, it sparked quite an active discussion in the comments. However, many others came to the defense of the young man and the moment he chose to live in his own way. “In Cuba, if you don’t rent a car, you can’t reach your family’s home. It’s not speculation, it’s a necessity,” explained a user.
Another was more direct: "Humans have a habit of criticizing everything. Everyone is happy in their own way; they should spend their money on what they believe is right." And someone else summarized the feelings of many: "It doesn't matter what they say; family is family, and that can't be compared to anything."
Beyond the car, many also commented on the large number of people waiting for him. Elderly adults and children. “What a huge family, how nice brother,” remarked a follower. “That guy is great, because look at how many people were waiting for him,” added another. The scene made it clear that he was someone very beloved and that his return was a family celebration.
The video struck a deep chord. Hundreds shared their own stories and emotions: from those who still cannot return, to those who no longer have anyone to embrace. “Five years without seeing my family and also not knowing when I will see them,” wrote one woman. “I cried as if it were me,” confessed another. “That hug heals the soul and gives strength to keep going,” said someone else, moved by the scene.
There was also room for praise regarding the details behind the video: “The camerawoman deserves recognition; she managed to capture the entire moment without interference and without losing her composure,” commented one user.
In the end, the controversy faded into the background compared to what truly remained in collective memory: the emotion of the reunion. Because beyond the car, the clothes, or the house, what matters is arriving. Returning. And embracing.
These types of family reunion videos are especially popular among Cubans, both on and off the island. On platforms like TikTok and Facebook, they often accumulate thousands of comments and views because they reflect a shared reality: separation, waiting, and that long-awaited moment of return. It doesn’t matter if it’s a son, a brother, or a grandson: the embrace upon arrival moves everyone equally, which is why they are consumed, shared, and discussed with such intensity.
Frequently asked questions about the return of Cubans to their country
Why does the return of Cubans to their country generate so much interest on social media?
The family reunions of emigrated Cubans are a shared reality for many due to the long family separations caused by migration. These moments touch deep emotional chords, as they reflect the longing to return home and embrace loved ones, situations that many can relate to.
Why does the use of a modern car during reunions provoke criticism?
The presence of a modern car in these videos is criticized because some users believe that the money spent on renting the car could have been invested in improving the family's living conditions. However, others defend this choice, arguing that, given the transportation difficulties in Cuba, renting a car can be a necessity rather than a luxury.
What importance do family hugs have in reunion videos in Cuba?
The hugs in these reunions symbolize the closure of a cycle of waiting and separation. They are a moment of deep emotional connection that many emigrated Cubans long for, and they become a symbol of love and family unity, transcending distances and material difficulties.
How do people react on social media to videos of family reunions?
The reactions are often mixed. On one hand, there are users who feel excited and identify with the stories of separation and reunion, while others criticize material aspects or believe that some videos are exaggerated. However, most comments reflect support and understanding for those who go through these experiences.
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