The renowned television host Don Francisco recently disclosed that Cuba remains the only country he hasn't visited due to its political situation. The famous 83-year-old Chilean entertainer shared that despite never traveling to the Island, he feels a deep connection to it from years of working with Cubans.
"The only country I haven't visited is Cuba, yet it's the one I know the most," he remarked to wildlife photographer Ron Magill, who collaborated with him years ago on the iconic program Sábado Gigante, which many Cubans watched clandestinely.
"I know everything from the auctions in Guane to... I know all the stories, but I've never physically been there because of the political troubles. That's the reason I haven't gone. But it's one of my dreams to visit someday," he asserted.
Don Francisco emphasized that learning about Cuba's stories and culture has fueled his desire to visit the Island. He also recommended watching the documentary Cuba and the Cameraman, which deepened his connection to the Caribbean country.
The host shared a snippet of the interview on his Instagram profile, where the comedic duo Los Pichy Boys commented, "Thank you for not visiting Cuba until it is free from Communism! #NoTravelToCuba".
Ron Magill's Experience in Cuba
Magill, who has visited the Island, recalled the surprise he felt upon arriving at the airport and realizing that everyone recognized him from Sábado Gigante. Despite government restrictions, people found ways to watch the show.
"I was walking through the streets of Havana, and people were shouting from the balconies: 'Ron Magill! Sábado Gigante!'. They invited me to take photos and have meals. I always asked, 'How can you watch this show?'. Because it's not legal in Cuba: El Paquete," noted the spokesman for the Miami Zoo, who attended an ecological diversity conservation event in Havana in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions About Don Francisco and Cuba
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Don Francisco's connection to Cuba and his thoughts on visiting the Island.
Why hasn't Don Francisco visited Cuba?
Don Francisco hasn't visited Cuba due to its political situation and the associated troubles.
What has fueled Don Francisco's desire to visit Cuba?
His years of working with Cubans and learning about their stories and culture have deepened his desire to visit the Island.
What documentary does Don Francisco recommend for understanding Cuba?
He recommends watching the documentary Cuba and the Cameraman.
How did Ron Magill feel when he visited Cuba?
Ron Magill was surprised and delighted by how many people recognized him from Sábado Gigante, despite the government's restrictions on the show.