Zajaris Fernández: Leaving Cuba & What She Misses

Cuban Actress Zajaris Fernández Reveals Emotional Toll Of Leaving Cuba

June 24, 2025

In A Riveting Interview, Cuban Actress Zajaris Fernández recently shared the profound emotional impact of her *emigration* from Cuba. Speaking on the Pódcast “This Is Not A Podcast”, Fernández opened up about the painful experience of leaving her homeland and the challenges she faced rebuilding her life abroad.

A Tearful Recollection

“I Think That The Saddest Moment I’ve had in my life was when I left Cuba,” Fernández confessed, her voice thick with emotion. She explained that while the desire for a better future motivated her decision, the sense of uprooting has lingered.

Fernández, Who Emigrated At Age 24, recalled the naiveté with which she viewed life outside Cuba. “Then One Thinks When He Lives In Cuba that in the yuma money occurs in the mattas, in the gum. That is what one believes. And then when you come, he plays the process of colliding with what life is.”

Challenges And Opportunities

Despite The Difficulties, Fernández acknowledged the personal growth that came with adapting to a new surroundings. “You Start Knowing that when you work and try, you have how far you want. You have no limits.But imagine uprooting you,” she reflected.

Her Story Resonates with many Cuban artists who have shared similar experiences, highlighting both the struggles and the newfound freedoms that emigration entails. The Impact Of *emigration* is often profound and lasting.

The Broader Context Of Cuban Emigration

Fernández’s Experience Reflects A Larger trend of Cuban artists and professionals seeking opportunities beyond the island’s borders. Political and economic factors frequently enough drive individuals to seek better lives elsewhere.

Factor	Impact On Emigration
Economic Hardship	Drives individuals to seek better financial opportunities abroad.
Political Restrictions	Prompts artists and intellectuals to seek freedom of expression.
Limited Opportunities	Encourages professionals to pursue career advancement in other countries.

Personal Growth Through Adversity

Fernández’s Story Emphasizes the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the challenges of *emigration*. While the pain of leaving one’s homeland is undeniable, the opportunities for growth and self-finding can be transformative.

The Enduring Appeal Of Freedom

The Decision To Emigrate Is rarely easy, but the pursuit of freedom and opportunity remains a powerful motivator. Cuban artists like Zajaris Fernández exemplify the courage and determination required to build new lives in unfamiliar lands.

Did You Know? According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, economic opportunity is the leading driver of global migration. Pew Research Center

Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Emigration

• Why Do Many Cuban Artists Choose Emigration?

  Many Cuban artists choose *emigration* to seek greater creative freedom and economic opportunities that may be limited in Cuba.

• What Are Some Common Challenges Faced During Emigration?

  Common Challenges Include cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the emotional toll of being separated from family and friends. UNHCR provides resources for refugees and migrants.

• How Does Emigration Affect The Cuban Arts Scene?

  The emigration of artists can led to a loss of talent within Cuba, but it also enriches the global arts scene with diverse perspectives.

• What Role Does Politics play In Cuban Emigration?

  Political Instability and restrictions on personal freedoms often drive Cubans to seek refuge and opportunity in other countries.

• How can Those Considering Emigration Prepare Themselves?

  Prospective Emigrants should research their destination country, learn the local language, and seek support networks to ease their transition.

What Are Your Thoughts On The Challenges And Rewards Of Emigration? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

Here’s one PAA-related question, based on the provided text:

Zajaris Fernández: Leaving cuba & What She Misses Deeply

The decision to leave your homeland is never easy, and for many Cubans, it’s a choice fraught with emotional and practical complexities. Zajaris Fernández’s story is one such poignant narrative, reflecting the experiences of countless individuals who’ve embarked on the journey of migration. This article delves into Zajaris’s experience, exploring the reasons behind leaving Cuba and the enduring sense of longing for the familiar.

The Reasons for leaving Cuba: A Complex Equation

The factors that compel cubans to leave their island home are multifaceted. Often,it’s a combination of things,pushing individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere. These frequently include:

• economic Hardship: Limited access to resources, including job opportunities and basic supplies, is a significant driver. The economic situation in Cuba frequently enough forces individuals to search for better financial prospects.
• Political Constraints: Restrictions on freedoms and limited political expression can be a primary concern encouraging emigration.
• Limited Opportunities: Lack of career advancement and educational opportunities can also play a role, motivating Cubans to seek avenues for progress beyond the island.
• Seeking Greater Freedom: For some, leaving aligns with a desire for greater personal liberty and freedom of movement.

These push factors combine to paint a challenging picture and can understandably culminate in the heartwrenching decision to immigrate. Every individual decision is unique, rooted in their personal circumstances, aspirations, and the realities they face. Leaving Cuba, or the “Cuban exodus,” is a complex event with many variables.

What Zajaris Fernández Misses: A Glimpse into Cuban Nostalgia

The act of leaving is often shadowed by profound saudade, a Portuguese and Galician word for a melancholic longing or nostalgia, in this case for her Cuban home. Zajaris, like many Cuban expats, carries a deep connection to her roots. It’s important to understand the pull factors – the things that make Zajaris miss Cuba.

Familia and Community: The Heart of Cuban Culture

The importance of community in Cuban society is widely known. Family, friends, and neighbors are often the primary sources of support and connection.Zajaris most likely misses:

• Family Reunions: Special occasions and the warmth of family gatherings are important in Cuban cultures.
• Shared Memories: The everyday rituals, discussions, and laughs that knit a family together are often very missed.
• The bonds of Friendship: Strong and supportive friendships provide a sense of security and a space to belong.

These missing elements highlight the importance of social connections and the sense of community that Zajaris, and so many others, leave behind. These social aspects are integral parts of Cuban culture

The Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of cuba: A Sensory Loss

Beyond relationships, the sensory details of life in her homeland are likely a source of profound longing. For someone who has moved abroad, these often bring strong feelings of nostalgia.

• The Rhythms of Cuban Music: The sounds of salsa,son,and othre homegrown genres that vibrate throughout Cuban streets
• The Fragrance of Cuban Cuisine: The aromas of ropa vieja and other appetizing dishes. These are very memorable things.
• the Landscapes: The beauty of the ocean, the sounds of the ocean, and the palm trees.

These are all elements that contribute to the unique identity and soul of cuba. Leaving Cuba means leaving behind the sounds and flavors of the island. This sensory landscape is a recurring theme in discussions about the Cuban diaspora and what people miss.

Cuban Culture: The Soul of the Island

Culture is an integral part of daily life on the island.It includes everything from music and art to traditions and social structures. This can include:

• Values: The value of collectivism, strong family bonds, and a love for life.
• Traditions: Dancing, food, holidays, and celebrations form a vibrant part of life.
• Language: The rhythmic Spanish and Cuban slang found on the island help make it a community.

These cultural elements are very critically important to Zajaris and all cubans.The Cuban cultural legacy persists despite emigration challenges.

Practical Tips & Useful Resources for Cuban Emigrants

The journey of Cuban emigration often involves many practical hurdles. Here’s a look at some of the most common things and a look at the most helpful resources.

Navigating Immigration Hurdles

The immigration procedure for Cubans can involve many steps, depending on the destination.

Resources that can help include:

• U.S. Embassy websites: For data about visas and immigration assistance in the United States
• Legal Aid Organizations: Several of these organizations provide legal aid with immigration issues to people
• Community Groups: Cuban exile groups on immigration and settlement programs

Settling Into a New Life: Tips for Cuban Expats

Getting yourself settled into a new home can be a challenge, so here are some things to help:

• Connect with other Cuban expats: They can offer support and useful insights.
• Utilize community resources: Take advantage of the resources offered by your new community to integrate faster.
• Stay connected with Cuba: Maintain connections with people and culture from home.

Area of Transition	Practical Tip
housing	Research neighborhoods, housing costs, and transportation.
Employment	Polish your resume and network, and be open to entry-level options.
Cultural adaptation	Be patient with yourself and learn about customs and traditions of your new home.

The journey of leaving Cuba and building a new life is challenging, but full of hope. Resources, connections, and perseverance will make the transition easier.