A Cuban woman in Albacete shared on TikTok a reflection on the reasons that led her to leave her country, in a video where she spoke candidly about the challenges of trying to build a life in Cuba and the decision to seek a different future.
"Many times I'm asked why I emigrated from Cuba, and it's never a straightforward answer. Cuba is a difficult country, although not everyone experiences the same reality; pay attention, not everyone," the young woman begins, cooking as she shares her story.
He explained that during his childhood, he had a life without major material shortages thanks to his father's efforts, but when he tried to become independent, he realized the difficulty of making his way on the island. "I consider myself a privileged person; I never went hungry, I had food, clothes, toys, always thanks to my dad's hard work, and I also thank God for that. But there comes a time when you have to walk alone. When I wanted to build something of my own, something that was mine, I began to feel the true weight of reality," he shared.
The death of her father marked a turning point in her life. “Bringing a venture to life became a daily struggle, and then my dad passed away, making everything even more uphill,” she said. It was then that she realized that emigrating is not always about escaping, but rather accepting the need for change. “That’s when I understood that emigration isn’t always fleeing, as many say; sometimes it’s about accepting that you want a different life. I didn’t leave because I had nothing; I left because the future I dreamed of was no longer possible in Cuba.”
With excitement, the young woman emphasized that, despite the distance, she still feels a deep connection to her homeland. "What I will always be sure of is that Cuba will always, always be my home, my memories, my dad, but I am also this new version of myself, the one that keeps learning, even from afar, step by step."
The video generated dozens of reactions from other Cubans both on and off the island. Many expressed their understanding and support, highlighting how difficult it is to separate from family and start over in another country. Others were critical, echoing common judgments about those who emigrate, to which the young woman responded calmly: “Whatever you say.”
The Cuban has shared several thoughts in recent months about the experience of emigrating, uprooting, and adapting to a new life. In a previous message, she spoke about the fears she faced before leaving Cuba, recalling how the impact of the European cold is exaggerated from the island in a video where she stated: “Cubans are instilled with a terrible fear of the cold, as if all of this were worse than everything we have lived through, everything we have left behind.” That story can be read in the note Cuban in Spain reveals one of the fears of emigrating: ‘As if it were worse than everything we have lived’.
Weeks earlier, in another testimony, she shared her sadness about spending Christmas away from her family. “I don't feel motivated, I don't feel like celebrating (...) since my family is far away, I just can't find a reason,” she confessed in that video recorded while she walked through the illuminated streets of Albacete, as noted in “When Christmas Comes and You're Far from Home”.
The messages from the young woman, which blend gratitude, nostalgia, and critique, have resonated with Cubans living abroad as well as those still on the island. Her simple and sincere way of discussing emigration reflects a reality shared by thousands of compatriots seeking a different future, while still feeling that Cuba will always be their home.
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