La vuelta se repite: representaciones cubanas del retorno en el período revolucionario y el postsoviético

Abstract

Although migration has been a constant feature in the Caribbean region, historically a crossroads in the Americas, Cuban migration has some traits of its own.  In the aftermath of the 1959 socialist revolution thousands of Cubans left for exile hoping to return shortly thereafter, but it wasn’t until 1979 that they regained the right to visit their native country on a short-term basis.  Return narratives have proliferated ever since, authored by those who visit.  This essay complements their views by focusing on Cuban cinema, music, and literature to scrutinize the representation of return migrants in their country of origin.  Given that the Cuban exodus took place in various waves, it is possible to distinguish diverse types of reception, with most falling short of achieving a balanced portrayal.  The essay attempts to also explain the reasons behind the failed representation.