In a heartfelt video shared on social media, a Cuban living in the United States expressed a poignant message filled with nostalgia and resilience for those who, like him, have had to leave their homeland to seek better opportunities for their families. "Don't be upset about not being home this December 31st. Remember, you had two choices: stay at a table with nothing to eat or leave so your loved ones could have a full table," Marky Barrera (@marky_barrera) emotionally shared, speaking both to himself and to others experiencing the same reality.
The young man also pondered the contrast between his current life and what he left behind: "Don't be upset because we're eating pizza. Over there, it's rice, beans, and meat." His words, brimming with pride and determination, aimed to remind everyone of the sacrifices behind each decision made far from home.
He concluded his message with a call for strength and resilience: "Look at all you've achieved in such a short time. Stay strong, you're Cuban." This testimony highlights the feelings of countless migrants who, despite the distance and challenges, maintain strong ties to their roots and commitment to their families.
Barrera recently posted a video on social media reflecting the struggles of many compatriots who emigrate, leaving their families behind. The young man shared that seeing a photo of himself years ago in Cuba, dining with family on Christmas Eve, brought him to tears. "Everyone sitting at the table," he recalled sadly, before lamenting, "Damn, it hurts, buddy."
This week, another Cuban in the United States described in a touching message how emigrants face loneliness and nostalgia during the holiday season. "As the end-of-year holidays approach, for many, there won't be a celebration because there are many people who are physically here, but their hearts are not," said TikTok user i.am.ivey in his video.
He explained that although celebrations try to maintain an air of festivity, the absence of family always lingers. "People are invited to strangers' homes to mimic joy, to take a photo at a table full of food and a heap of false feelings. After everyone takes the photo, they're all sitting there bored."
Challenges Faced by Cuban Migrants
What sacrifices do Cuban migrants make when leaving their country?
Cuban migrants often leave behind family and familiar surroundings to seek better opportunities abroad, facing emotional challenges such as nostalgia and loneliness, especially during the holiday season.
How do Cuban migrants cope with being away from their families during the holidays?
Many Cuban migrants try to maintain the spirit of the holidays by gathering with others and creating new traditions, though the absence of their families often weighs heavily on them.