TikTok has become a platform where people can express their opinions and share their cultural identities. A prime example of this is Elieser Estrada Rodríguez, a resident of Camagüey, who has used his account on TikTok to clarify that people from Camagüey are not considered "orientales."
After receiving comments attempting to insult him by calling him "oriental," this Cuban, who goes by @eliesersagitar on TikTok, shared a video explaining why Camagüey residents are not orientales. "Oriental and what? We're not; we are proudly Camagüeyan. Comments like that are supposed to be insults thrown at us. We have other good qualities," he stated on his TikTok profile, before explaining that since the creation of Cuba's political-administrative divisions, Camagüey has never been part of the Oriente department.
Many residents of Camagüey have reacted to the video, expressing their pride in being from the region.
Understanding Camagüey's Regional Identity
In this section, we address some common questions about the regional identity of Camagüey, based on the insights shared by Elieser Estrada Rodríguez.
Why do some people call Camagüey residents "orientales"?
Some people mistakenly classify Camagüey residents as "orientales" due to regional stereotypes or lack of understanding about Cuba's administrative divisions.
What are the political-administrative divisions in Cuba?
Cuba is divided into several provinces, each with its own regional identity. Camagüey has never been part of the Oriente department, which comprises the easternmost provinces.
How did Camagüey residents react to Elieser Estrada Rodríguez's video?
Many Camagüey residents expressed their pride and support for Estrada's clarification, reinforcing their regional identity.