The Cuban content creator Ari Vlogs revealed this Friday in a video posted on Facebook that she has emigrated to the Dominican Republic with several family members.
«I came with my family to the Dominican Republic. Yes, my people, I am already here, in this beautiful country, which will now be part of a new story,» announced Arianna Medina Reyes —her real name— in the clip.
After the first few days in the Caribbean country, Medina conveyed a sense of relief and enthusiasm: "I'm starting to feel adjusted. The truth is, I’m really enjoying this experience, and I am very eager to keep discovering this country."
He also sent a direct message to his new audience: "I want to take this opportunity to extend a very special greeting to all my Dominican followers. I hope you welcome me with lots of affection. May we continue sharing from this new stage and may you make me feel at home."
In the reveal video, the creator candidly described the nerves of takeoff: "I was extremely scared when we took off. Oh my goodness. I had such nerves that I can't explain, but I was also very excited about everything that was to come." The flight lasted two hours.
"And so, amidst nerves, emotions, and many dreams, we finally touched ground. Today marks the beginning of a new story. Thank you very much, my God," Arianna concluded her reveal video.
Originally from Mantua, the westernmost municipality of Pinar del Río, Arianna began a journey of approximately 280 kilometers to José Martí International Airport in Havana. The group—which consisted of her grandparents, her brother, her cousin, and her father—left home around six in the evening on November 4th and arrived at the airport shortly after two in the morning the following day, with their flight scheduled for eight in the morning.
Her husband decided to stay in Cuba. Arianna asked her followers to respect that decision: "He also had the opportunity to come. But not everyone has the same desires or plans, nor do we see life in the same way."
The case of Ari Vlogs adds to a documented trend throughout 2026: several Cuban creators have publicly narrated their emigration in real time. Katy, from the channel "Aprendedora", left for Santo Domingo in March after more than six failed attempts; Lisa Garci also arrived in Santo Domingo at the end of July; Mary Rosales Martínez emigrated to Brazil in August; and Katherine Guevara left the island that same month.
The Dominican Republic has established itself as one of the main destinations for the Cuban diaspora: according to data from elToque, in 2025 over 100,000 Cubans arrived in the country, and between January and March of 2026, more than 3,100 direct moves from the island to that territory were recorded.
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