An 87-year-old Cuban grandmother who has just arrived in Spain has gone viral for her reaction upon seeing, for the first time in her life, a tray of typical sweets from a local bakery.
The video, posted on TikTok by user @rumi.bro, shows the elderly woman visibly emotional and surprised as she looks at a tray filled with pastries, mille-feuille, and other sugary delights.
“Oh my God, what are those? And how am I supposed to try that? My mouth is watering,” the woman exclaims, laughing, in front of the tempting variety.
The scene has touched thousands of users on social media, who have quickly expressed their affection and empathy in the comments. “My 87-year-old grandmother, just arrived from Cuba, is amazed by the simplest sweets from the bakery in Spain,” wrote the grandson in the post, which has already garnered thousands of reactions.
The moment has been interpreted by many as a demonstration of the stark differences in the availability and variety of food between Cuba and other countries, where everyday products can seem like distant luxuries for those who have lived under the shortages on the island.
In addition to the visual impact, the tenderness with which the grandmother observes and engages with each candy has captured hearts. Some users have even shared similar experiences with emigrated relatives, reinforcing the symbolic and emotional value of these rediscovered small pleasures.
“This reminded me of my grandmother when she tried Greek yogurt for the first time. She couldn’t stop smiling,” wrote a user. Others simply applauded the grandmother's joy: “She deserves all the sweets in the world.”
The video continues to circulate widely on digital platforms, becoming a heartfelt testimony of how the simplest things can evoke the deepest emotions.
Frequently asked questions about a Cuban grandmother's reaction to sweets in Spain and Cuban migration
Why has the Cuban grandmother's reaction to seeing sweets in Spain gone viral?
The reaction has gone viral because it captures the grandmother's surprise and excitement upon seeing a variety of sweets she had never had the chance to enjoy in Cuba, due to the scarcity of products on the island. This situation has generated empathy and warmth on social media.
What do these types of reactions reflect about the situation in Cuba?
These reactions reflect the stark differences in product availability between Cuba and other countries, highlighting the difficulties faced by the Cuban population due to constant shortages. They also serve as a silent denunciation of the harsh economic reality on the island.
How does the shortage in Cuba affect the older generations?
Supply shortages deeply affect the older generations in Cuba, who have lived their entire lives under restrictions and limitations in accessing a variety of basic products. This creates a mix of nostalgia and astonishment when they have the opportunity to experience abundance in other countries.
What does the reaction of the Cuban grandmother symbolize for the Cuban migrant community?
The reaction symbolizes the cultural clash and the mix of emotions that Cuban emigrants experience when confronted with abundance after having lived under the socialist regime in Cuba. It serves as a reminder of past hardships and the new opportunities and discoveries abroad.
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