Couple from Cuba Shares Journey in the US Through Viral Videos
A married couple from Cuba has gained significant attention on social media. Marissa Diaz recently posted a video showcasing their experiences with food in the United States. The couple, known on TikTok as @yoelandmari, has amassed nearly half a million followers and millions of views. Marissa shared more about their story with Fox News Digital.
“It’s impressive. It’s beautiful,” Joel Diaz said, referring to their experiences, particularly at Costco.
Yoel Diaz immigrated to the US on a K1 visa in 2021, and he expressed how overwhelming it was to see the variety of meat available in American stores. “We Cubans love meat,” he mentioned happily. The couple, now based in Arizona, grew up as family friends on the same streets in Havana.
Previously, Yoel worked as a computer science teacher in Cuba, earning a modest income. In contrast, he received his first paycheck from UPS in the US in 2022. “The ability to roam grocery stores and fill my cart with things I only saw in movies—it’s something special,” he reflected. “This country has given me the opportunity to become a human.”
On the other hand, Marissa highlighted the struggles faced by those in Cuba, noting that grocery stores there are often divided between those who have access to foreign currency and those who do not. “In Cuba, the average salary is about $40 a month, so you have to be very selective about what you buy,” she explained. She pointed out that many Cubans rely on messages through WhatsApp to share information about food availability.
“It’s not like the US where you don’t have to worry if there’s butter in the store,” she added, reflecting on the scarcity back home.
Marissa mentioned that during the pandemic, she experienced a similar scarcity in the US, saying, “It’s like being in Cuba, but always.”
Joel described going to the grocery store in America as a privilege. “You can have any brand of food you want, and there are endless options,” he pointed out. He expressed how it felt to have choices, particularly when thinking about family still in Cuba. “My mother misses coffee. She knows what a privilege it is to have it here,” he stated.
The couple also shared their thoughts on politics, particularly about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist. Marissa mentioned that they’ve seen how government inefficiencies lead to poor distribution of resources, referencing their experiences in Cuba. “I don’t see why it would be different in New York City,” she added.
Yoel cautioned Americans supporting candidates like Mamdani to really consider what they wish for, drawing lessons from their time in Cuba. The couple continues to find joy in their new life, with Yoel working to maintain an apartment complex and both appreciating the opportunities America provides.
