The latest edition of ‘Chinaoke,’ a musical segment featured on the television program El Chinamo from Teletica, addressed issues of xenophobia and rivalry between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The episode aired on December 18, 2025, with artists Melany Mora and James Meneses leading the performance.
The production used the song “Mi linda Costa Rica,” originally composed by Nicaraguan musician Tino López Guerra, as its base. The new version was titled “Hermanas centroamericanas” (“Central American Sisters”). The lyrics explored themes that have historically divided the two countries, such as debates over whether dishes like gallo pinto are Costa Rican or Nicaraguan in origin.
In a critical tone, one lyric stated: “Qué linda que es Costa Rica cuando no se cree un país superior. ¿Por qué tratan mal a los nicas, si les debe un montón?” (“How beautiful Costa Rica is when it does not believe itself to be a superior country. Why do they treat Nicaraguans badly if they owe them so much?”). Other verses referenced xenophobia and even touched on disputes regarding the San Juan River.
The video featured two women—one from Costa Rica and one from Nicaragua—dressed in traditional attire and sports jerseys representing their respective countries. Scenes also included folkloric dance groups from both nations performing at the National Monument in Parque Nacional.
Sporting achievements were highlighted through mentions of athletes born in Nicaragua who have represented Costa Rica, including footballer Óscar Duarte, boxer Yokasta Valle, and swimmer Claudia Poll. Another line said: “Niegan lo nicaragüense, pero bien que comen vigorón” (“They deny being Nicaraguan but gladly eat vigorón”).
The segment concluded with an appeal for unity: “Son Nicaragua y Costa Rica hermanas; por eso, más amor y menos drama” (“Nicaragua and Costa Rica are sisters; therefore, more love and less drama”).
