A young Cuban woman living in Spain has sparked a heated discussion on TikTok after posting a video about the things she no longer spends money on since relocating to the European country. In the video, @ileniasantana talks about how she has changed her spending habits, cutting costs on things like getting her nails done, dyeing her hair, or buying clothes—activities she says she did regularly in Cuba.
"Here, I’ve become thrifty because I want to spend all my money on experiences like traveling," she said in her video, which quickly stirred controversy in the comments section. Questions and critical remarks flooded in, with many expressing disbelief and skepticism.
Comments included: "My friend lived there for three months with her boyfriend and was tired of eating legumes and pork. She couldn’t find toothpaste or feminine hygiene products, yet there are materials for keratin treatments, dye, and nails?"; "I don’t understand so much spending on beauty and clothes when there’s a shortage of basic products in Cuba"; "How is it possible to spend on nails if there isn’t enough food in Cuba?"; "People in Cuba are starving and getting nails done costs 60 grams of rice"; "We had to bring clothes, colored pencils, and basic stuff because my boyfriend’s sister didn’t have any of that, so how is there money for manicures?"; "Are people in Cuba living well then?"; "If they say there’s nothing in Cuba, how are there keratin treatments and hair dyes?"
Other comments read: "I don’t understand, everyone says there’s no food in Cuba, yet there’s money for beauty treatments"; "Which Cuba did you live in? Everyone I know is in need"; "I don’t get it, people say there’s no food in Cuba, yet there’s money for beauty treatments"; "You can’t get your nails done in Cuba if you don’t even have food"; "Are you sure you came from Cuba?"; "So the only thing missing in Cuba is food? They say the stores are empty, but they have keratin treatments?"
However, some defended her new priorities and lifestyle in Spain: "That’s being practical and having clear ideas. Your values have changed."
What do you think about this young woman’s story and the debate it has ignited?
Understanding the Debate on Cuban Spending Habits
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the controversy sparked by @ileniasantana's TikTok video.
Why did @ileniasantana's video spark controversy?
The video sparked controversy because many viewers found it hard to believe that she spent money on beauty treatments and clothes in Cuba, given the country's well-documented shortages of basic necessities.
What changes in spending habits did @ileniasantana mention?
She mentioned that she has stopped spending money on getting her nails done, dyeing her hair, and buying clothes, and instead focuses her spending on experiences like traveling.
How did some people defend @ileniasantana's new spending habits?
Some defended her by saying that she is being practical and has clear priorities, suggesting that her values have changed since moving to Spain.