The Cuban user @liettypi went viral on TikTok, sharing three things she never thought she would do as a Cuban living in Mexico. Her testimony has generated a wave of reactions, both due to the surprise of her experiences and the authenticity with which she shares them.
"Little things I never thought I would do as a Cuban living here in Mexico," she announces at the beginning of the video. First, she reveals that she dared to eat insect tacos: "I was visiting a very famous market in Mexico City, and they usually sell these kinds of unusual things there. I tried the insect tacos, experimenting with different varieties, including one that's very popular here, the chapulines, and honestly, it was quite a wild experience, but it wasn't unpleasant like I thought it might be."
The second point he mentions is having incorporated chili into almost everything, even fruit. “When I arrived in Mexico, I thought that you only ate chili with meals, like in meats and in tacos, but no... I went to the market and they offered me fruit with chili. I couldn’t believe it.” He even recalls working selling fruit prepared with chili: “It was something I had to adapt to, and the truth is that now I enjoy it a lot.”
As a third point, he emphasizes the climate change between regions of the country: “Right now, you can be in Morelos, which is where I am at the moment, and feel a lot of heat, but you can move to another part of the State of Mexico, like Toluca, and feel a lot of cold.” He adds that this experience contrasts with what he knew from Cuba: “I come from Cuba, and Cuba is an island where it is very, very hot all the time.”
The reactions didn’t take long to arrive. “Not all Mexicans have done it, nor would they,” @liettypi herself replied to a comment expressing surprise about the insects. Other users wrote to her: “Grasshoppers with lime, delicious,” “You need to eat maguey worms,” or “Grasshoppers with garlic sauce.” There were also those who asked for more content: “Make lots of videos,” “Of course, friend, make more videos.” Some comments reflected regional curiosity: “Which part of Morelos are you from?” or “In Oaxaca, it’s the heat.”
This type of post is not new on their account. On other occasions, @liettypi has shared her migration journey from Cuba to Mexico, recounting that she was held in Guatemala after paying traffickers who did not fulfill their part of the deal: “We were kidnapped there... this part is a bit hard.”
It has also sparked debate with its reflections on how common products in Mexico, such as toilet paper, Coca-Cola, or meat, are luxuries in Cuba. “In Cuba, this is a luxury,” she said while displaying toilet paper, pointing out that often people have to use notebook paper.
One of his most commented videos was his first visit to a Waldo's store, where he was moved to see school supplies and household items that were inaccessible in Cuba: “In Cuba, a child who brought a notebook like that to school was considered wealthy; their family had money, their family lived in the yuma.”
The testimony of @liettypi joins that of other Cuban women in Mexico who have shared similar experiences. User @eliponte05 has also recounted her process of adapting to spicy food, the differences in everyday language, and customs that initially surprised her.
These experiences highlight the cultural contrast that many Cubans face when emigrating, but they also demonstrate their adaptability, sense of humor, and willingness to find a new home in Mexican soil.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Cubans in Mexico
What are the most surprising experiences Lietty Piña has had as a Cuban in Mexico?
Lietty Piña has had surprising experiences such as eating insect tacos, using chili in almost every meal, even in fruits, and experiencing drastic changes in weather within Mexico. These experiences contrast with what she was used to in Cuba, where the climate is consistently warm and the diet does not include such spicy or unusual foods.
How has migration to Mexico impacted the daily life of Cubans?
Migration to Mexico has allowed Cubans to access products and services that are considered luxuries in Cuba, such as toilet paper, Coca-Cola, and meat. Furthermore, they have experienced a positive change in their quality of life, with access to better food and basic services, which enhances their overall well-being. This highlights the shortages and inequalities present on the island.
What do other Cubans think about the experience of living in Mexico?
Many Cubans in Mexico express surprise and gratitude for the availability of basic products and services that they did not have access to in Cuba. They have also shared their experiences of adapting to Mexican culture, such as the use of spices in daily meals, which reflects a positive process of integration and cultural adaptation.
How is the situation in Cuba reflected in the testimonies of Cuban migrants on social media?
The testimonies of Cuban migrants on social media reflect the scarcity and economic difficulties they face in their home country. Through their experiences in countries like Mexico, they highlight the contrast between living conditions in Cuba and abroad, emphasizing the lack of basic goods and the restrictions under the Cuban regime.
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