A Cuban woman in Canada has shared her thoughts on the popular videos of surprise reunions with family members or unexpected visits to the island that are trending online, often going viral and touching many hearts. Gabriela, as she is known, has previously addressed the criticism she receives for her accent and now explains why she would never surprise her own mother in such a way.
In a relaxed tone, Gabriela recounted in a TikTok video, "I don't know if you've seen the videos where many Cubans return to Cuba and surprise their mothers with a mariachi band, everyone crying... They seem super emotional, super beautiful to me. Sometimes they even make me shed a tear, but I am one of those who could never do that to my mom, never," she began.
Gabriela described her mother as someone who prefers to avoid public displays: "My mom is the kind of person who would say, 'No, no, no, no, no. What's all this drama and all these people? Gabriela, for the love of God, don't make me go through that embarrassment.'" She is convinced that her mother would react quite differently to such a surprise compared to what is commonly seen in viral videos.
"Whether it's mariachi or whatever... No, my mom would say, 'Girl, get a grip, no, no, no, no, no. Please, don't make me cry in front of people,' because I know her and she wouldn't shed a single tear," Gabriela explained.
Gabriela's video offers a different perspective on the popular trend on social media—seen not just among Cubans but among migrants worldwide—highlighting how some people might not feel comfortable with such public and emotional gestures.
And you, would you give such surprises and share them online, or do you prefer to experience reunions with your family in private?
Insights on Viral Surprise Reunion Videos
In light of Gabriela's video, here are some frequently asked questions about the trend of viral surprise reunion videos and the cultural nuances involved.
Why do surprise reunion videos become viral?
Surprise reunion videos often go viral because they evoke strong emotional reactions, showing genuine moments of joy, love, and connection that resonate with a wide audience.
Are all families comfortable with public surprise reunions?
Not all families are comfortable with public surprise reunions. Cultural differences, personal preferences, and individual temperaments play a significant role in how people react to such gestures.
What are the cultural nuances in Cuban families regarding public displays of emotion?
In Cuban culture, as in many other cultures, there can be a range of comfort levels with public displays of emotion. Some individuals or families might find such gestures overwhelming or embarrassing, preferring more private expressions of emotion.