Yuliet Mijenes, a Cuban who has been residing in the United States for a year, shared a heartfelt experience on TikTok that stirred a mix of emotions within her. In her video, she recounted how visiting a Latino market evoked both joy and sorrow as she encountered products that reminded her of home.
"When you go to a Latino market and come across items that remind you of your country... I don't know if it's happened to you, but it brings a lump to your throat," @ym.scpa remarked, visibly emotional in her video. She explained that her reaction stemmed from knowing that many of those products are no longer available in Cuba, and for her family, enjoying them would be a luxury. "I have no words to describe what I felt today," she added.
Among the items that transported her back to her childhood, she mentioned a loaf of bread, tamales, sweet Festival cookies, ham-flavored Pellys, and even Lux soap. "It was a joy to see products that reminded me of my homeland, many with my flag," the Cuban expatriate noted, acknowledging that finding them also brought about profound nostalgia.
Her video has resonated with many users who identified with her feelings: "I understand you, I am from Venezuela and in my country, there is everything, but it is expensive, so it is a luxury"; "I cried when I went to Houston and ate a Cuban pizza, a tamal, and a mamey milkshake"; "When they ask me what I want them to bring me from there, I know I want ham-flavored Pellys"; "Wow, how beautiful"; "It makes you nostalgic"; "Total support!" were some of the comments.
The testimony of this young Cuban mother—who has often expressed pride in what she has achieved in the US—joins that of many other Cuban emigrants who share their feelings and reactions on social media regarding their 'first times' in other countries or the stark contrast between what they can enjoy abroad and the harsh reality their loved ones endure in Cuba.
Emotional Impact of Finding Cuban Products Abroad
Here are some frequently asked questions about the emotional experiences of Cuban expatriates when they find products from their homeland in foreign markets.
Why do Cuban expatriates feel emotional when finding products from Cuba abroad?
Finding products from Cuba can evoke strong emotions because it reminds them of their homeland and childhood. It also highlights the scarcity of these products in Cuba, making them feel both joy and sadness.
What kind of products typically evoke nostalgia for Cuban expatriates?
Products that often evoke nostalgia include traditional foods like tamales, baked goods like Festival cookies, and everyday items like Lux soap that are scarce in Cuba.