A TikTok video has sparked a flurry of comments and laughter among users after featuring a Cuban passenger boarding a plane with an unusual item in his backpack: a bag of rice. The clip, shared by user @rosabel_almeida, shows the traveler comfortably seated, casually revealing the contents of his bag. "It's like a little kid sleeping there," he jokes with his companion while holding the rice bag, eliciting chuckles.
This scene, which highlights the unique and often humorous experiences of many Cubans both on and off the island, quickly gained viral status due to its strange yet relatable nature for those familiar with Cuban life. "I've never seen that before," commented one user. Another added with laughter, "Now grandma will say, 'Pour it out on the table to pick out the bad ones,'" referencing a longstanding Cuban tradition still practiced in many homes.
Another comment underscored the humor and resilience of the Cuban people, exclaiming, "Oh my God, the things we go through as Cubans." This blend of humor, resignation, and creativity is how the community often deals with scarcity. Posts like these, straddling humor and social commentary, resonate deeply with the Cuban diaspora, highlighting the ongoing necessity of bringing essential goods to the island—even if it means stuffing a backpack with rice.