Cuban Women Seen Strolling Hialeah Streets with Suitcases for New Year: "Tato, What Is This?"

A TikTok video showcases a group of Cuban women bringing one of Cuba's most unique New Year traditions to the streets of Hialeah, Florida. In the footage, these women walk around with suitcases in hand, engaging in the ritual of circling the streets as a symbol for wishing for travel and adventure in the coming year.

The clip, shared by user @yadismay.alfonso, quickly went viral, gathering thousands of views and reactions. Amidst laughter and astonished comments, one of the women humorously exclaims, “Tato, what is this?” capturing the lighthearted spirit of the scene.

Preserving Cuban Traditions in Exile

The practice of taking suitcases out on December 31st is common across many Latin American countries, particularly in Cuba, where it is believed to bring future travel and new opportunities. In Hialeah, a city with a significant Cuban community, these customs remain vibrant, adjusting to the circumstances of exile yet holding onto their core essence.

Comments on TikTok came in fast. Some users highlighted the cultural ties that Cubans maintain outside the island: “This can't be missed, not in Cuba nor here,” remarked one user. Others, with humor, noted how neighbors might react: “Americans seeing this must think we're crazy.”

The Cultural Tapestry of Hialeah

The scene is not just a display of humor and tradition but also a reminder of how cultural customs survive and adapt when Cubans bring them to new lands. In Hialeah, these practices are part of the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the city and connects its inhabitants to their roots.

For many, this suitcase ritual is a way to start the year with hope and joy, keeping alive traditions that, while they may seem unusual to others, reflect their identity and connection to their homeland.