The premiere in Miami of the movie "Aída y Vuelta" turned into a celebration filled with nostalgia, laughter, and emotion for the Cuban community.
At the event, held at Cinépolis, Paco León, director of the film and unforgettable performer of Luisma in the series, made it clear the special bond that exists between "Aída" and the Cuban people.
During the meeting with the audience, León confessed that, although the series was very popular in Spain and has many fans, the situation in Cuba is different. "We know that in Spain the series was followed and has fans, but what happens in Cuba is something else."
The phrase summed up the atmosphere of the night: a room filled with applause, expressions of affection, and an emotional connection that spans generations.
On his Instagram account, Paco confessed that during the American tour to promote the film, which also included New York and Puerto Rico, he felt the gratitude of many people for whom Aída was more than just a series.
"Relief for many pains. And the truth is that laughing in difficult times is a basic necessity. Our Cuban friends know this well, making us feel that there is something sacred in the art of making people laugh. Because for Cubans, Aída is a religion," he emphasized.
A meeting with the Cubans of Miami featuring a popular host
The actors engaged directly with the attendees and were introduced by the Cuban comedian Alexis Valdés, who infused the evening with his trademark irony and rapport with the audience.
There were laughs, ovations, and an atmosphere of closeness that confirmed Aída lives on in the emotional memory of many Cubans both on and off the Island.
León was visibly moved by the response from Miami. He stated that he always feels emotional when speaking with Cubans and that he knew the film would be understood "differently" by them.
As he explained, half of his followers on social media are Cuban, both from the Island and from the exile, and that is why he deemed it essential to present the film "on this side of the pond."
The premiere in Miami was also marked by one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Alexis Valdés, after praising Paco León's talent, made a suggestion filled with humor and double meaning that drew laughter and applause.
"You are a wonderful director. (...) And knowing the deep affection that they have for all of you in Cuba, I have a proposal for Paco. Seeing that that movie is not performing well. Being such a great director, could you direct Cuba, Paco?", he suggested.
León responded without directly entering into politics, but he did emphasize the role that Aída has played for Cubans: "In Cuba, more than anywhere else, this series has been a pain reliever for many of you."
The phrase resonated with an audience that had found in that comedy a breath of fresh air amid the harshness of everyday life for years.
The return of Aída that so many were waiting for
The film "Aída y Vuelta" marks the return of the universe of the series that captivated millions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Paco León, who directs and reprises his role as Luisma, explained that he didn't want to create just "a long episode," but rather something different and more personal.
Even so, she clarified that the chapter exists and can be accessed via a QR code, but that the film goes "in another direction."
Cuba at the center of Aída
The director specified that the nods to Cuba were entirely intentional: from the music to cultural references like Los Zafiros, including the idea that Aída "returns" from the Island. All of this is part of a tribute to an audience that has kept the series alive for years.
"We believe that the Cuban audience even surpasses that of Spain. It was very important there, but Cubans are more Aída than the Spaniards," he stated.
The excitement was not just from Paco León.
Carmen Machi, the unforgettable Aída, sent a heartfelt message: she expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of the Cubans and said she looks forward to visiting one day to hug them all individually.
Canco Rodríguez, the beloved Barajas, also expressed his gratitude and his wish to be able to share an event like this directly in Cuba.
Although the film is already showing in theaters in Spain and other countries, Paco León explained that it will not officially reach Cuban screens. He said he has tried "many ways," but due to political reasons, it has been very difficult.
Even so, trust that the film will "somehow reach" the audience on the Island, as has historically happened with other content.
Miami's premiere confirmed that Aída is not just a series for Cubans: it is part of their emotional memory.
Amid laughter, applause, and tears, many reaffirmed what Paco León summarized in a phrase that is already circulating among the attendees: for Cubans, Aída is religion.
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