“Cuba sank”: The heartrending words of an 80-year-old Cuban upon arriving in Brazil

A video on TikTok features an 80-year-old Cuban in Brazil reflecting on the crisis in Cuba and the challenges that led him to emigrate. His words have resonated within the Cuban community.

Cuban grandfatherPhoto © @irmalisherrera / TikTok

A video posted on TikTok by the user @irmalisherrera has touched hundreds of people, showcasing her father, a Cuban nearly 80 years old, enjoying a meal in Brazil and sharing his thoughts on the situation in Cuba.

"We're just arriving here, such is life, seeing things I've never seen before at nearly 80 years old, and look, my friend... Cuba has sunk, they killed us, how abusive the communists are, they finished you off," the elderly man expressed while his daughter filmed him in a restaurant, visibly emotional as he experienced a new stage of his life outside the country.

The video, titled “My Dad at 5 Months in Brazil,” shows the man tasting sushi, a food that, as perceived in the images, he had never tried before. The post has sparked thousands of comments from users who resonate with the protagonist's feelings of nostalgia and disillusionment.

Many Cuban internet users praised the sincerity of his words and lamented that a generation that worked their entire lives on the island is forced to emigrate in search of a better quality of life.

"How painful it is to hear that, but how much truth there is in their words," commented a user on the social network, while others highlighted the contrast between the emotion of the family reunion and the sadness over the current state of Cuba.

The case of this elderly man reflects the growing wave of older Cubans migrating to reunite with their children or relatives abroad, after decades of separation and hardships on the island.

Frequently asked questions about Cuban migration and the situation in Cuba

Why did the elderly Cuban claim that "Cuba sunk"?

The elderly man expressed his disappointment and sadness about the current situation in Cuba, lamenting that the communists have ruined the country. His words reflect a direct criticism of the Cuban socialist regime, which he blames for the deterioration of living conditions on the island.

What is the current situation of Cuban migrants in Brazil?

Cuban migrants in Brazil face a series of challenges, including cultural and economic adaptation. Although Brazil offers opportunities, the journey to arrive and settle is arduous. Many Cubans share their experiences on social media, revealing the difficulties and the resilience required to start from scratch.

How is the immigration situation reflected on social media?

Social media has become a space for Cuban migrants to share their stories of struggle and survival. Videos of family reunions and testimonials about difficult journeys are common, serving as a catharsis and a source of community support.

What impact do family reunions have on the Cuban diaspora?

Family reunions are deeply emotional moments that highlight the impact of separation caused by migration. These events serve as a reminder of the emotional cost of emigration, and they often elicit a significant emotional response from both those involved and the viewers on social media.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.