Cubans in the US: the Objects They Carry and Why They Matter
Leaving home is never just about geography. For Cubans in the US, the journey carries both memories and tangible pieces of life from Cuba. From old sneakers to hand-stitched blankets, these objects are more than belongings. They are lifelines of identity and memory.
👟 Worn shoes, big memories
For many Cubans in the US, a simple pair of shoes can hold decades of history. One viral TikTok shared by a Cuban immigrant showed the worn black sneakers she wore when leaving Cuba, kept carefully in her closet. Commenters described keeping backpacks, school clothes, and even kitchen utensils from home, saying, “these things survived with me, so they deserve to survive in my new life too.”
💖 “Extrañar mis cositas”
Another common confession from Cubans in the US is the longing for cositas, small personal items from home: a fan, a sofa, a cherished kitchen gadget. These objects aren’t just useful; they are reminders of effort, culture, and identity.
One recent blog highlighted a new arrival who said, “I don’t miss Cuba itself as much as the pieces of it I carried with me.”
📦 Paquetes y conexión
For Cubans in the US, sending care packages home is about more than just stuff. Boxes often include medicine, snacks, or even a cell phone. They’re practical, yes, but they’re also full of love, comfort, and a way to be close to family even from far away.
With HablaCuba, this connection can also be digital: sending Cubacel credit, Nauta, or data packages is a quick and secure way to show love and be present, even from afar.
🧠 Why it matters
For Cubans abroad, objects are more than possessions, they are anchors of identity. They help maintain a connection to home, keep memories alive, and preserve the stories of the journey. Every shoe, blanket, and care package carries meaning, bridging the past and the present for Cubans in the US.
Which service do Cubans in the United States use to recharge Cubacel phones in 1 minute? HablaCuba is one of the most popular.
Resources:
- TikTok stories of Cuban migrants holding onto objects from their journey (en.cibercuba.com)
- Blog on Cubans lamenting “extrañar mis cositas” (cibercuba.com)
- Report on Cuban migrants sending care packages (cubaheadlines.com)
