The latest installment of Teletica’s Chinaoke series, a parody segment aired on December 16, 2025, has drawn criticism from Randall Chavarría, the mayor of Puntarenas. The parody video addresses issues such as rising crime rates and their impact on tourism in Costa Rica.
The third video in the El Chinamo 2025 series is titled “Popurrí para despedir al turista.” It features parodied versions of songs by Juan Gabriel and Luis Miguel. The content highlights concerns about high prices in coastal areas, increasing criminal activity, and the treatment of local tourists. The overall message suggests that these factors are discouraging foreign visitors.
One lyric from the parody states: “¿Es esto Costa Rica Esencial? Le robaron ya la playa a nuestra gente, mientras siguen matando a puro inocente. El ‘Pura vida’ se nos va.”
Environmental damage to natural areas is also criticized in the video. Leo Van Schie, known for his role in La Media Docena, portrays a disappointed tourist observing changes in Costa Rica’s landscape. He sings: “¿Aún hay monitos? ¿Dónde están las playas bonitas? Yo quiero pasar un buen rato, entonces me voy para Las Bahamas,” while near the Puntarenas lighthouse.
In early November, Teletica’s production team held a virtual meeting with Mayor Chavarría to discuss filming locations within Puntarenas and to explain the theme of the parody. Following this discussion, Chavarría sent an official letter to Televisora de Costa Rica expressing concern that the video could harm the canton’s image.
“A negative message could discourage visits, reduce the arrival of national and foreign tourists and cause real economic impact affecting the development of the entire central canton,” states Chavarría’s letter.
The document also notes that there was “profound annoyance” over the planned filming and included an “institutional warning.” The municipality requested consideration before recording took place, suggesting alternative locations for production and recognition of positive aspects related to municipal efforts.
“We consider it important to point out that there are many other destinations and beaches in the country where you could perfectly achieve your video’s objective regarding high tourism costs without involving Puntarenas—a canton that has worked hard to remain accessible,” reads part of the letter.
“We respectfully request that our observations be taken into account before proceeding with any audiovisual recording or production related to our canton and that you act with sensitivity, ethics and commitment toward communities that sustain Costa Rican tourism daily through their efforts,” says another section of Chavarría’s communication.
