I so love celebrating Cuban (!) Hispanic Heritage Month with you guys because…
- Our stories need to be told.
- Cubans are amazing people.
Speaking of great "Cuando sali de Cuba" stories, I know many of you have already seen the documentary, Cubamerican. If you haven't yet, you will be amazed at how beautifully and poignantly it depicts the struggles and triumphs of Cubans who were exiled here and eventually made America their home. Get a copy! STAT!
Here's a list of the highly accomplished Cubans who were interviewed for the film.
- Carlos Eire
- Lorena Feijóo
- Pedro José Greer, Jr.
- Mirta Ojito
- Andy Garcia (be still my foolish heart)
- Gonzalo Rubalcaba
- Pedro A. Sanchez
- Achy Obejas
- Orlando Diaz-Azcuy
- Felix S. Sabates, Jr.
- Alvaro de Molina
- Tony Pérez
- Gustavo Pérez-Firmat (friend and lover of the MBFCF cookbook)
- José Orlando Padron
- Steven Bauer
- Raoul G. Cantero III
- Roberto González Echevarría
- Eduardo J. Padrón
- Jorge Pardo
- Lorna Feijóo
- Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras
The fabulous news is that this gorgeous film is now available on DVD.
The 2nd piece of fabulous news is that I have a couple of copies to give away today, plus a promotion you will totally be excited about.
The 3rd piece of fabulous news is that I received the very first copy of the DVD as a gift from Director, Jose Enrique Pardo and Producer, Daniel Bellas. Okay, that's not truly fabulous news, it just makes me feel sooo accidentally cool. (But that's not important right now.)
First of all, I'm giving away, not one, but two (2) copies of the Cubamerican DVD.
To enter this drawing for a chance to win a DVD of the documentary, Cubamerican, please leave a comment on this post and tell me:
- When did you arrive here in the U.S.
- Where was your first stop?
My answer: February 14, 1961. Miami, Florida.
Please leave your comment on this post and I'll choose TWO winners on Monday, September 22nd, 2014 at 11 am PST.
The 2nd piece of fabulous news is for those of you who just don't want to wait (I know how you guys get), the generous folks at Cubamerican have a BOGO* offer for the first ten buyers. (*Buy One. Get One.)
The first 10 people to buy a Cubamerican DVD and put MBFCF after their name, will win an additional DVD. Here's the link: Cubamerican DVD.
Also, I think every Cuban should own and share this film. It tells our stories so beautifully. A very important reminder: Don't forget the tissues!
I arrived in 1960, November.I first stopped in Miami
Junio 3 1970, Miami Fl
December 17, 1996Miami, FL
I arrived in the US by myself at the age of 9 years old on September 1973.My parents and I left Cuba 3 years earlier and lived in Madrid for that period of time (as we had to travel and live in another country in order to wait for our authorization from the US to enter this country. Even went the US granted us the entrance, Spain required for all chasten to travel alone first and the parents would follow a week later. It surely was an experience I will always remember.
Miami, 1948 came here as a 7 month old infant. My Dad played ballhere. We did go back & visited w/family. My brother & I were in Havana
December 1959! It was very scary. Went back
for my Grandfather’s funeral later that year & we would never go back
because of the Castro Brothers!!
April 15, 1968…Miami, Florida
June 19,1962. Freedom Tower, Miami, Florida.
My parents and grandma (on my moms side) arrived here in 1980 through the Mariel. Came to Los Angeles, moved to Culver city, were one of the original cubans in the cuban social club of culver city. My Grandfather, Poet, Composer, and song writer Urbano Gomez Montiel came in 1960 to Brooklyn New York, my grandmother (his wife) stayed behind as she was a fugitive in Cuba for helping counter revolutionist in breaking out political prisoners, planting bombs, and stealing arms. She later escaped to Venezuela where she stayed for a few years until in 1986 she moved to Los Angeles. Cuba runs through my veins, and I wish the day my parents homeland becomes free again to visit, as it will by like the mecca for all Cuban Americans.
My parent’s and I left Cuba in 1971.First stop Madrid, Spain.
Arrived in the USA 1973.
To add to that, my uncle came at the age of 12. My grandma sent him out of the country before he would be subjected to join the military. She knew he was also gay and would later be persecuted and prisoned for being so. She spent all of her savings and sold of her jewelry to send him to the United States. My grandfather being a pro-revolutionist and communist was furious at her actions and soon divorced her. In 1990 my grandpa came to America just to visit his grandchildren, with all the propaganda he heard in Cuba, he also wanted to see what the big deal about the U.S was about. One trip to disney land was all he needed to file for asylum. True story.
Came from Cuba in 1966 . I was 6 years old.First stop cuban freedom tower then off to New Jersey!!
March 2, 1967, miami, florida.
We arrived in NEW YORK CITY on JULY 4, 1964! Happy Independence Day to Us!!
February 26, 1986; arrived at Miami, FLORIDA. Thank you for this opportunity! Blessings!
1956 to New York with my mom. I was 2 years old and was told I slept the whole trip on the airplane. We were picked up by a horde of family members then off to New Haven, Ct. My dad had been in the U.S. for year and a half making preparations for our arrival.
Thanks for the promo. I placed an order a while ago and used your code MBFCB. However, are only the 10 first orders receiving the BOGO or does everyone receive a BOGO and the first 10 get an ADDITIONAL or 3rd DVD? I emailed their customer support and they said you would let them know the winners. A bit of confusion.
May 14, 1980 Key West, Fl
Arrived by birth in 1962; first stop, a Manhattan hospital bed. Gracias for the giveaway mujer. BB2U.
January 18, 1991. My first stop was New Orleans, Louisiana.
My mom, tia, and grandparents came over on November 27, 1967. They came in on an evening flight to Miami Int’l Airport and stayed their first night en las casas de libertad at MIA. It wasn’t until a few weeks later when they all went the the Freedom Tower to fill out their paperwork.
I don’t know if I qualify but my parents and I left Cuba for New York in May of 1954 – yes, I know that is BC (Before Castro) but Batista was going to assassinate my Dad.
Hola, mi familia llegamos el dia 31 de Julio, 1962. Paramos en Miami.
My Mother flew in from Cuba in 1966 & her first stop was Miami… She met my dead beat dad in Miami and became prego in 1968 with twins myself Dulce & my twin Francisco…mind you he knew her from Cuba and took advantage of her loneliness in the USA…my sweet Mom then gave birth to us in Atlanta Georgia by herself raised us with respect & values & she made the ultimate sacrifice! She has made us twins so proud of our Cuban heritage! So much so that when I’m asked where I’m from I say Cuba! I feel Cuban 100%!
Arrived in Miami, Florida on November 27, 1967.
April 21, 1967, Miami, Florida – together with my parents and my big sister
We arrived on May 12, 1968. First stop, Miami, then to Los Angeles!
Arrived to Joh F Kennedy Airpot , NY August 14th 1969
I came with my father December 1960. My mom came with my 2 brothers in January 1961. Miami Florida
December 27, 1962Port Everglades FL
I arrived on September 12, 1968 in Miami on one of Lyndon B. Johnson’s freedom Flights. Nieves Fuertes-Fontova.
My dad left Cienfuegos on April 22, 1966 and arrived in Chicago, IL. He is still alive today (89 years old) and I would very much like to watch Cubamerican with him as I am the Cubamerican that resulted from all of this.
September 17,1971 to Miami, Florida Freedom Tower, then to Los Angeles, California.
September 1st, 1966 Miami FL before moving to Chicago where I lived mainly for the next 46 years before moving to Buffalo NY. And that my dear Marta is why I need this DVD bc the nearest Cuban food to me that I don’t make myself is 7.5 hours away in New York City! So I’m basically begging for this DVD! 🙂
June 7, 1962, Miami
My family and me left Cuba Mother’s Day 1979, we flew to Madrid,Spain. A year later flew to NY, then to Miami. My dad saw the opportunities moving west and moved the family to Portland Oregon.
Arrived in Miami on September 7, 1966. I love, the movie and have recommended to almost everyone I know. It is our story and I think very important to tell.
My mother and I arrived March 2, 1966. We stayed overnight and proceeded the next morning to West New York, New Jersey. I was six years old at the time. I will never forget, and still makes my eyes water, the pilot of our Pan American flight, saying over the speakers “Welcome to Freedom”. Everyone applauded. God Bless America.
Febrero 12, 1969, España.
MY MOM, BROTHER AND I ARRIVED TO TAMPA, FLORIDA ON DECEMBER 14, 1957. MY DAD CAME BEFORE US ON AUGUST 31, SAME YEAR. I LIVED IN TAMPA TILL I GOT MARRIED IN 1969 THEN MOVED TO MIAMI. I SAW THE MOVIE AT FIU IN MIAMI A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I FEEL IT IS A “MUST SEE”, IT’S A BEAUTIFUL, SAD BUT TRUE STORY!!!!
I arrived in the United States 53 years ago on Sept 4th, 1961. Miriam Arango
Came July 1, 1966 to Miami, Florida for 1 month then to Alamogordo, New Mexico! Later back to Florida different cities.
I arrived in June 10th, 1968 together with my parents, brother and sister. We arrived to the Freedom House in Miami, Fla on the Freedom flights, Pan Am. We stayed in Miami for almost a month and were relocated to Torrance, California where my dad (a Pastor) started a Spanish speaking department at the First Baptist Church of Torrance. He was a Pastor in Cuba and also here until he died at age 85 on Sept 11, 2001, same day as the twin towers attack. I would love to own the dvd so my children, grandchildren and future generations will have knowledge of our heritage and our history. Thank you Marta. I love your page!! Esther, San Juan Capistrano, Ca.
I grew up in South Florida, and will always be encouraged by the many stories of my Cuban friends. I have memories of the mariel boat lift, and I will never forget the closeness of Cuban families, and the commitment to take care of their elders. I can’t wait to see this film.
Liliana, your story is identical to mine! We left Cuba on July 8, 1970, and had to live in Madrid for 3 years until my student visa was approved. I flew alone at the age of 9 from Madrid to New York on August 22, 1973, then caught a connecting flight to Los Angeles, where my dad’s family was waiting for me. I remember that after flying for so many hours, my feet were so swollen I couldn’t put my shoes back on! My family followed a week later. I had never heard of anyone who had had my same experience, perhaps because not too many of us made it out to L.A.
Arrived December 15th, 1970 in Miami, Fla.
Left Cuba through Isabela de Sagua September 1st 1994 (20 yrs ago), balsero. Taken to Guantanamo Bay September 4th. Arrived to Miami December 15th, 1995; flew to Tampa two days later.
January 24, 1952 New York
I left Cuba October 28th 1971 I arrived in Miami but flew to California the next day to meet with my Dad. He came 6 months earlier.
I arrived in October of 1970 with my mom. I was 4 years old and we lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey where my dad had already been living for 2 years. When I was 9 we moved to South Florida where I have been living ever since.
We arrived on June 16,1961 in Miami, Florida. After spending a few months in Jamaica and reuniting with my mom and sister, we were able to come to the United States.
I didn’t make the this trip. I was one of the lucky ones to be born to someone who did. My mom came to the US from Cuba via Spain. My dad had left first and my mom and brother did a few years later. Wouldn’t be here if it was for their courage and I teach about Spanish and its culture at a HS. I always try to do their journey justice.
Marta, I think it’s so incredibly YOU to have arrived in America on a Valentine’s Day. Precisely the day you fell in love with the USA! Go on with your charmed life, girl!My family and I arrived in Miami, Florida on Thursday, May 24th, 1962. Our first stop was the Freedom Tower (the Cuban Ellis Island). My older brother, who arrived in Miami 6 months ahead of us, was already working 3 jobs and had rented us a fully-furnished duplex in what is now the artsy-fartsy Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. When that ‘Hood’ started to turn a little weird in the 1970s, we decided to move to Hialeah – and later on to Broward County. But… Who knew we’d be so (as you put it) accidentally cool…. 52 years later.
I was 13 when we arrived in Miami in 29 August, 1969. We stayed with my Father’s cousin for a month before we left for Chicago where we have been since then. My Mother’s family was already here. I remember Miami seemed like Cuba and when we arrived in Chicago I was very disappointed. Where is the Sun? Where are the Royal Palm Trees? Dark brick buildings gave me an awful first impression. I was also under the impression we were here temporarily and had no idea I had left loved ones behind I would never see again. Still breaks my heart.
June 11, 1981 landed in Miami, Fl via Costa Rica. It changed life as we knew it.
June 11, 1981 landed in Miami, Fl via Costa Rica changing life as we knew it.
Hi Martha, I first arrived in the US on June 4, 1961. I was 4 months old. We were the first ones, in our family to leave Cuba. Many of my relatives thought Castro was the change Cuba needed and stayed. We arrived without any relatives to help us, therefore, we went to “Cielito Lindo”, “La Torre de la Libertad” and were provided with everything we needed. Ironically, a few years later, my parents would be going back to “Cielito Lindo” to work with Cuban exiled actors on radio soap operas. “La Torre de la Libertad” holds a special place in my heart.
February 5, 1968. First stop Miami, Fla.
My parents arrived in Miami and then settled in lovely West New York NJ where I grew up. I lived in West New York for over 20 years and consider it my home. The best croquetas pastelitos and cortaditos u will ever find!
Arrived in March 1973 at JFK Airport , went to live in NJ where I still reside , but moving to Atlanta this year
Hi Marta, ours is a story of exile, romance and survival and living the “Cuban American dream”. I came to the U.S. On January 8, 1971 toMiami, then Connecticut for my first glimpse of snow and finally New Jersey. My parents brought me and my newborn baby brother, my sister was born here years later. It wasn’t until 2001 that I would meet my husband Tony(Juan Antonio) through my best friend,Deli, by way of long distance. He is a balsero (rafter, for those of you that aren’t familiar with the term) who entered the US on November 6, 1997, his birthday, by way of Miami. But not before the US Coastguard picked him and four others up in their makeshift raft just 15 miles shy of Miami on July 13, 1994 after 7
seven days at sea. He was sent to Guantanamo where they started immigration papers for him on November 7, 1995 and was finally released two years later. He could write his own book, but at least it has a happy ending. It was fate that we met and fell in love. I always tell him that he came here to meet me. Now when I tell our 8 year old son that he has to eat rice because he’s Cuban, he answers, “No, I’m American!” Yeah, I think I went through that, too until I realized and accepted that I’m both, Cuban American, and proud of it!
My mom, by herself, in May 1968, from Spain to Chicago, to obtain visas for my grandparents and her siblings.My grandparents, a month later, on June 15, 1968, Miami.
My Mother, sister and I arrived in Miami October 21,1961, my father followed a few weeks later and we initially lived on Miami Beach. Thank God he gave my parents the vision to come to the U.S, God Bless America!
I arrived July 12th, 1962 via my mother’s womb.First stop was in the maternity ward of Mercy Hospital:)
Me and my parents arrived July 18,1967 Miami , Florida ♥
My family arrived in June 1956 and first went to Florida and then ended up in New York.
My parents arrived in 1960 and I was born in Miami. Although born in the US, I keep the Cuban culture alive in my families lives. It is very important to me one because I love it and because it is my way to honor my parents and the paradise they had to leave.
My father landed in Miami August 13, 1961, and my mother arrived on the 18th of September. Not long after that, they made their way to California. I was born in Los Angeles in 1966–a true CubAmerican! I suppose that technically I shouldn’t be entering this drawing, but “que culpa tengo yo” de no haber nacido en Cuba?!?!
May, 1966. Baltimore, Maryland.We had family that lived in Baltimore and we eventually moved to Brooklyn, NY. Like others posted, we also lived in Madrid, Spain for a 1 1/2 years awaiting authorization to arrive in the US. I still have the draft letter my mom wrote to Lady Bird Johnson and the US Embassy. She was a teacher in Cuba and spoke and wrote fluent English. I traveled with my mother, older sister as a toddler to the US. My dad was Chinese and his permission was delayed so we traveled without him. He arrived 2 months later and we moved to Brooklyn.
2000 – Houston, TEXAS
August 28, 1962, Miami,FL
On September 29, 1971 flew to MIA ON route to Jersey. Was lucky to leave on one if the few last flights out.
June 18, 1967, Miami, Florida
June 1956 -First stop Florida then onto New York.
I love your blog! My dad came in 1961 with his family. They were briefly in Miami, then went to Cleveland, and eventually ended up in Virginia. I love hearing everyone’s stories.
I, along with my parents and my two sisters arrived (through the Freedom Flights) in Miami on December 28th 1970. We were taken to the ”Freedom Tower” where we were processed, but never got to sleep in the bunk beds we liked so much, instead my cousin picked us up and took all five of us to her home until our New York flights were set up. We landed at Kennedy Airport on the 30th of Dec. and were greeted by my uncle (and his lovely wife) who had been there since 1960. We lived in Manhattan for a year and a half, then moved to Ct. where we have lived ever since.
January 1961, New York
We arrived July 26, 1966 we stop in Miami but we went to New York I will never forget where I come from I am just to Cuban. Even living in New York we did not forget where we came from an who we are.
I want to enter for my Dad who came here in 1967 (I don’t know the exact date) and he landed in Miami, Fl. with his brother and my Abuelo’s. They moved to El Monte, California where my Abuelo’s still reside to this day
I arrived in 1980 and my first stop was Pennsylvania.
we share your post on cubamerican la pelicula’s facebook page.thanks
Hi, very belated reply but worth a try: you mention the “Cuban Social Club of Culver City”. Was this the one of Venice Blvd. (around 10100)? If you have any specific recollections about that, trying to do some research for my siblings (we all spent time there in the 70s with my Dad). Thanks!