A young Cuban on TikTok @beautyjahely (Jenly Jahely Deulofeu) has sparked intense controversy after posting a video in which she shares, from her experience as a migrant, some of the customs that have surprised her the most during her first year living in Spain.
"I've been living in Spain for a year, I'm Cuban, and I've already lost track of how many holidays, how many celebrations take place here," she says in the video, which has garnered thousands of views. Among the celebrations she mentions are: “the night of San Isidro, the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of the town, Las Fallas, the fairs, Holy Week, the pilgrimage, the street festival, the night of San Juan, where things are burned on the beach.” “I'm reading this because I don't remember, I won’t remember all of them, so at least I want to say it right,” she added.
Then he contrasts this experience with his home country: “In Cuba, you know the holidays by heart; you don’t even have to try hard: January 1st, July 26th, and October 10th, that’s it.”
Another point he raised was the use of fireworks: “The firecrackers, folks, firecrackers at midnight, one, two in the morning, seriously? What’s the need for that? You’re left thinking: what is happening?”. He recalled that on his first night in Spain, he thought something serious was happening: “Five minutes of firecrackers... the world is ending. Where do I go right now?”.
He also said: “You can go out at nine in the morning, stop by a café, and find people having a beer… Here, there are many things that are really real. In Spain, they often say ‘have a beer’ if you’re feeling good, if you’re not, if you have problems at work, or if everything is fine, a beer to celebrate it.”
The video generated an avalanche of reactions. Some users criticized what they saw as a lack of understanding of the Spanish cultural context. Comments like “It's not that there are so many festivals; it's just that they're not all in the same place” or “What did you expect, for Europe to be like Cuba?” were repeated in different tones. Others accused the young woman of exaggeration or speaking from ignorance: “Instead of complaining, learn” or “Another one who comes to compare without knowing.”
There were also disparaging and xenophobic messages, including the classic "if you don't like it, leave" or criticisms of the young woman's accent and way of speaking.
Several users, on the other hand, expressed support or tried to respectfully explain to him how regional festivities work in Spain.
In light of the controversy, @beautyjahely posted a second video to clarify her intentions: “I believe that before continuing to discuss the content I aim to develop, it’s very important to address this specific topic.” She stated that she does not intend to criticize Spain: “None of my future videos will show me criticizing Spanish culture, simply because it’s wonderful and offers many opportunities that don’t exist on my island.”
"I have to adapt to yours because I am the one in your country, and I understand that part," she stated. She reiterated that her goal is to highlight cultural differences: "Even though we speak the same language, the way we communicate is entirely different."
"Many Cubans would like to leave there and don't even have the opportunity to do so," he added, speaking about the critical situation in Cuba, "without food, without water, without electricity, just to mention a few of the issues."
The testimony of @beautyjahely adds to an increasingly visible trend on social media, where newly arrived Cubans in Spain document their cultural clashes and the reactions they provoke.
In another recent case, the user @lachabe97 shared her surprise at seeing clean streets, prepared food in supermarkets, and the custom of closing for the siesta, which also sparked divided comments.
@yo_soykarlita sparked a debate by expressing her astonishment at the respect given to pedestrian traffic lights, which some interpreted as a political critique, while others saw it as a reflection of contrasting realities.
From a different perspective, @marylu7879 sent a direct message to other migrants: “Those who don’t progress here won’t progress anywhere. The problem isn’t Spain; it’s you, who doesn’t adapt.”
@legmy_ denounced xenophobic comments after sharing their experience and stated that their content aims to highlight cultural differences, not to belittle anyone.
The reactions these contents have provoked demonstrate both the interest and the tension surrounding adaptation and integration processes, especially when expressed on public platforms. For many Cubans, sharing these experiences has become a way to reflect, contrast realities, and connect with other migrants facing similar situations.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of Cubans in Spain and their cultural differences
Why did the Cuban in Spain spark controversy when talking about Spanish celebrations?
The young Cuban generated controversy because, upon expressing her surprise at the number of parties and festivities in Spain, many users felt she lacked an understanding of the Spanish cultural context. Additionally, her comments about the differences with Cuba elicited a range of reactions, from criticism to support.
What aspects of life in Spain surprise newly arrived Cubans?
Aspects such as the abundance of public holidays, the use of fireworks late at night, direct access to drinking water from the tap, urban cleanliness, and punctual public transport are some of the differences that most surprise Cubans newly arrived in Spain. These elements stand in stark contrast to everyday life in Cuba, where basic resources and services are limited.
How does the community on social media react to the testimonies of Cubans about their life in Spain?
Social media reactions tend to be varied. Some users criticize Cubans for their lack of understanding of Spanish customs or for making comparisons without knowledge. Others, however, show support and empathy, explaining the cultural differences and defending their right to express their migratory experiences.
What challenges do Cubans face in Spain due to cultural differences?
Cubans face challenges such as adapting to a new cultural environment, dealing with xenophobic comments, and constant comparisons between their life in Cuba and in Spain. They also need to navigate the differences in public services and daily life, which can be overwhelming at first.
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