Yaniuska López, known on TikTok as "La Cubanita" (@cubanita0101), announced her return to Cuba yesterday after having lived in Angola in an emotional video that sparked mixed reactions among her followers.
In the nearly two-minute clip, the content creator explained her decision while anticipating criticism: "Returning does not mean failing; it means listening to what I truly need."
Yaniuska acknowledged having gone through very tough times during her stay in Angola, although she also had positive experiences. "There are decisions that are not made with the mind; they are made with the soul," she stated.
One of the most emotional aspects of the video was the mention of her father, who stays abroad. "My heart is also broken as I move away from my dad again, but I know that we'll be together soon," she said.
Upon arriving in Cuba, her partner prepared a warm welcome surprise that left her, in her own words, "astonished and in love."
The creator did not hide the difficult situation the country is facing. "Cuba is in bad shape, that's not a secret either, but I am happy and that is what matters most," she candidly noted.
To those who might question her decision, she was direct: "I know you all are going to have a negative opinion, you're going to say I'm crazy, why did she do it? It's really my life, and I want to live it this way."
Yaniuska also warned her followers that the poor internet connection in Cuba will hinder her activity on social media, though she promised to continue posting content.
The return of Yaniuska is part of a growing phenomenon of Cubans who are voluntarily returning to the island from various countries, documenting their experiences on social media. Migdi Pérez returned in February 2026 after 12 years in Miami, and Lisandra Acevedo Évora did the same from the same city in April 2025, worn out by the high cost of living, job instability, and loneliness.
These voluntary returns contrast with the forced deportations that have also sent thousands of Cubans back to the island: The United States deported more than 1,600 Cubans by December 2025 and at least 286 more in February 2026.
The air connectivity between Angola and Cuba is one of the major obstacles for Cubans residing in that African country, as flights are scarce and expensive, and many can only travel to the island every two or three years.
"Sometimes we think that going far away is the solution, but the heart always knows where it wants to be," concluded Yaniuska, summarizing in one sentence the decision that will define this new stage of her life.
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