"I'm the Cuban living in Mexico, specifically in Mérida, Yucatán, and today I'm sharing three unique aspects about Cuba that leave my Yucatán friends either in disbelief or completely astonished." This is how @kelu_gb, a young Cuban, begins her TikTok story, capturing attention by revealing those fascinating Cuban lifestyle quirks that often sound unbelievable to outsiders.
School Mornings in Cuba
Kelu elaborates on the school routine in Cuba, where "every morning, upon arriving at school, we have to participate in what's called the morning assembly." This event involves singing the national anthem and listening to historical announcements, sometimes featuring figures like José Martí or Camilo Cienfuegos. "Every weekday, you get to school at either 7:15 or 8 AM, and there's a 15-minute assembly before heading to class," she explains.
The Misleading 'Voluntary' Work
Another aspect that surprises her Mexican friends is the concept of "voluntary work." Despite its name, Kelu clarifies that "it's mandatory." These activities involve citizens in tasks like cleaning streets or fixing up neighborhoods: "Neighbors gather, usually on weekends or whenever decided, and you have to clean the entire neighborhood." She adds that participation can have repercussions, especially for students: "If you skip voluntary work, you might lose points at school."
Language and Laughter
Lastly, she mentions that in Cuba, lollipops are called "chupa chupa," which leads to jokes and laughter among her friends in Mexico. "When I told my friends, they either laughed hysterically or teased me," she laughs.
The video has garnered over 1,700 likes and has sparked comments ranging from surprise to humor. Some say, "Here in Mexico, we have morning gatherings too, but they're different"; "Your accent is a mix of Cuban and Yucatecan"; and "That's education. Look around." Others have reached out with warmth: "Hello, it's great to have you here in Mérida. Greetings"; "You're a beautiful Cuban"; and "You look lovely." Some even requested more stories about her life outside the island, to which she promised a "storytime."
With this video, Kelu not only entertains and piques curiosity but also keeps her audience engaged by sharing the cultural contrasts between Cuba and Mexico that continue to fascinate.