“Where am I going to take you for breakfast?” asks the young Cuban Devis to his mother while recording a video from the car. “To McDonald's,” she replies with a smile full of excitement. This is how a scene begins that, for many Cubans who have recently arrived in the United States, represents much more than the simple act of eating out. The video was posted on TikTok by the user @blued_diamond and has already touched thousands of people.
"Today, you and I are here. I brought you to eat something at McDonald's," Devis says excitedly, while recording the moment his mother enters one of the most iconic fast food chains in the country for the first time. "Who would have told you that before 2025 was over, you'd be here eating McDonald's?" he asks. "No one, son, no one," she replies. After that, Devis shows her how to order from the touchscreen: "You don't know English, so what do I recommend? Come to this little screen where you place the order...". Jokingly, they laugh about the amount of food she ordered: "I bet you've never eaten so much beef in your life." And she, laughing, responds, "Nor do I have a mouth big enough to take a bite."
The video also sparked a wave of comments filled with empathy from other Cubans who have lived similar experiences. “I cry tears of joy for you,” wrote one user, while another confessed, “You made me cry; I hope one day I can have my mother here too.”
Many expressed admiration for the son's gesture: "You are a good son, how nice that you enjoy it like this," "Enjoy it a lot, our mothers deserve everything," "What a blessing to be able to give that to your mom."
There were also those who recalled their own stories: “You made me remember when my daughter took me to eat a hamburger for the first time,” “That’s exactly how I arrived, with my eyes wide open.” Others simply expressed their gratitude for being able to witness the moment: “What a joy to see them together, enjoy every moment,” “Thank you for sharing something so beautiful and real.”
Amid the reactions, phrases like "blessings to both," "what immense happiness," and "may they never lack the love they have for each other" were repeated, reflecting how the video touched deep emotions in those who have experienced—or dream of experiencing—a similar reunion.
This moment, which concludes with her spontaneous reaction, "oh my, I've even ended up in tears," is part of a series of videos in which Devis documents his mother's first days in the United States.
On April 6th, she shared the emotional family reunion at Louisville airport, where she met her grandchildren and embraced a daughter she had not seen in six years. “Lilita, welcome to the land of freedom, glory to God and my Virgin of Charity for bringing you here,” she wrote at that time.
Few days later, he published another clip taking her for the first time to an American store. “Oh, I love everything... is there money?” the mother said with laughter as she walked through the aisles of Citi Trends. “She wants to come and be a prosperous old woman,” Devis joked, highlighting the bond that connects them in this new chapter.
The McDonald's video joins a growing trend of Cubans sharing their "first times" abroad on social media. Last June, a young Cuban in Paraguay tried McDonald's for the first time and described it as "the most capitalist and American thing I've ever done in my life," while another recent arrival in Tampa recorded himself saying, "On a scale from 1 to 10, I give it a 10."
These experiences, filled with tenderness and discovery, demonstrate how small everyday moments turn into unforgettable memories. For Devis, being able to share these experiences with his mother—whether it’s having breakfast, visiting the supermarket, or enjoying a quick meal—is more than just a gesture: it’s a way to express gratitude, to share, and to build a new present together.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experiences of Newly Arrived Cubans in the United States
Why is the video of the Cuban taking his mother to McDonald's significant?
The video of the Cuban taking his mother to McDonald's is significant because it represents a moment of discovery and adaptation to life in the United States. For many Cubans, everyday experiences like eating at a fast food chain are unprecedented due to the limitations in Cuba, making these moments symbols of new opportunities and freedom.
What reactions does the arrival of Cubans to the United States generate on social media?
The arrival of Cubans in the United States generates reactions of empathy and support on social media. The emotions shared by those who have had similar experiences, the acknowledgment of the courage shown by families to reunite and start anew, and the expressions of admiration for those who help their loved ones adapt are common on digital platforms.
How do Cubans experience their first contact with stores in the United States?
Cubans experience their first contact with stores in the United States with astonishment and excitement. The wide variety of products, the abundance of items, and the organization of American supermarkets stand in stark contrast to the scarcity in Cuba, turning a simple visit to a store into a shocking and memorable experience.
What does it symbolize for Cubans to be able to enjoy small daily pleasures in the United States?
For Cubans, enjoying small everyday pleasures in the United States symbolizes freedom and new opportunities. Simple gestures like eating at a fast food restaurant or visiting a supermarket become meaningful experiences that reflect a positive change in their lives, away from the restrictions and shortages of the Cuban regime.
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