The TikTok user life_byanita shared a humorous video, joining the popular social media trend "I'm Cuban and," where she highlighted a series of typical Cuban habits and "traumas" that she continues to practice while living in the United States.
In the video, life_byanita humorously described several common practices in Cuban households, driven by scarcity and the need to make the most out of everything until it can't be used anymore. These practices include squeezing kitchen sponges to their last bit, reusing and saving cans and bottles before discarding them.
"I'm Cuban and the sponge can always handle one last wash. I'm Cuban and in my house, any bottle or can is opened and squeezed well before throwing it away," she says in the video, where she also confessed her habit of buying in large quantities "just in case it runs out" and storing things "just in case someone goes to Cuba."
In the comments, many users related to her experiences and shared their own versions of these Cuban "traumas": "I'm Cuban and I use market bags to store food, and of course I add water to the little bit of dish soap left to make it last longer"; "Hahaha, I'm Cuban and of course I have pots inside the oven"; "I'm Cuban and I have a stash of Cuban shopping bags from all my market trips"; "Jjjjj I'm Cuban and I recycle oil just like María Julia Beatriz"; "Jjjj I'm Cuban and I reuse ice cream, salad, and even etc. containers before finally throwing them away," they commented.
Life_byanita also joined the conversation, responding to her followers with the same sense of humor: "Of course, I do all of that too," and "We're all the same here hahaha. Everything can be used for something hahaha."
And you, how many of these Cuban habits do you still maintain in your daily life?
Common Cuban Habits Among Expatriates
Many Cuban expatriates continue to practice habits formed due to scarcity and necessity while living abroad. Below, we answer some common questions about these practices.
Why do Cubans save market bags and containers?
Cubans often save market bags and containers due to a culture of scarcity and the need to make the most out of available resources. This habit ensures that nothing goes to waste and everything has a potential use.
Is it common for Cuban expatriates to buy in bulk?
Yes, many Cuban expatriates buy in bulk as a precautionary measure, stemming from experiences of product shortages in Cuba. This helps them feel more secure and prepared.
Do these habits change with time living abroad?
While some habits may fade over time, many Cuban expatriates continue to practice these resourceful behaviors as they become ingrained in their daily routines.