Shouting out to neighbors for a coffee gathering is a familiar scene in Cuba, yet for a Cuban woman residing in Missouri, this custom was met with silence. Attempting to recreate a cherished piece of home, she called, "Neighbor, come have some coffee!" Only her brother-in-law humorously responded, "Mija, come inside and have it with me. No one else will pay attention here."
She shared this moment on her TikTok account @daianadiaz2107, expressing her deep longing for Cuban customs. "In Cuba, I would share sweets with my neighbors if I made any, and for New Year’s, sharing a plate of food was a must. I truly miss that!" she admitted in the video.
The post not only garnered over 8,500 likes and more than a thousand comments but also sparked a discussion on the nostalgia of emigrating. "In Venezuela, we did that too. Coffee and a chat were essentials," someone commented. Another user added, "You miss Cuba, whether you live in Miami or Spain."
The conversation grew as users shared their experiences. "I try to always share with my neighbors, but people here are too stingy," one user remarked. Another countered, "I don't miss it. I left Cuba many years ago and now live in absolute peace."
Some highlighted the community spirit of these traditions: "That's how we Latinos are, always sharing even if we have little." The video touched on sentimental chords as well: "I was like that too, calling everyone for coffee at 3 pm," reminisced a user. Another shared, "In Venezuela, I did the same. I'd call my neighbors and we'd chat over coffee."
Yet not everyone shared the sentiment: "I'd rather not know if neighbors exist. Privacy is priceless," confessed another. For many, the post evoked a sense of identity and community. "Our Cuban customs are unique," one person stated, while another recalled, "I miss all of that, even the sound of people talking at the doors."
However, some did not share the nostalgia: "That only brings gossip and problems. Better to keep to oneself," a follower remarked.
Despite differing opinions, the video highlighted a universal truth: emigrating involves not only adapting to a new place but also learning to live without the small things that connected us to our homelands. As one commenter noted, "Coffee was an excuse to be with others. Here, you don't even know who lives next door."
Exploring Cuban Nostalgia in the U.S.
Why did the Cuban woman in Missouri feel nostalgic?
She missed the communal traditions of Cuba, like sharing coffee and sweets with neighbors, which were a significant part of her daily life on the island.
How did people react to her TikTok post?
The post sparked a lively debate about the nostalgia of emigrating, with some people reminiscing about similar traditions in their own countries, while others expressed a preference for privacy.
What themes were discussed in the comments?
Commenters discussed themes of community, identity, and the cultural differences between Latin American countries and the U.S., highlighting both the positives and negatives of neighborly interactions.