"Casa Calala": A Cultural Haven Created by a Nicaraguan in San José

In San José, Costa Rica, a hundred kilometers from his homeland, young Nicaraguan Jopsan Espinoza has transformed a community of plant lovers into a vibrant space called "Casa Calala." This cultural hub, smelling of damp earth, plants, and freshly brewed coffee, welcomes people of all "cultures, nationalities, ages, and tastes." Espinoza arrived in Costa Rica in 2018 at age 18, seeking refuge from the sociopolitical crisis in Nicaragua.

What began as "Calala Plantas," a plant exchange club, evolved in November 2025 into a community gathering spot in the Escalante neighborhood. Here, Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans connect through cultural activities. The name "Calala," used in Nicaragua for passion fruit, was chosen by Espinoza, who hails from Matagalpa, to keep his roots close.

"The idea is for this to be an open space for culture, but also for creating moments with friends and family. We've had markets, exchanges; it's one of the main activities," Espinoza explained. The original plant club outgrew borrowed and rented spaces, necessitating a dedicated venue. "The idea is for this to be a home, like building a home away from home. I am a migrant, and that's how the idea of creating a home, a community, with things we liked was born," he added.

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The idea is for this to be an open space for culture, but also for creating moments with friends and family. We've had markets, exchanges; it's one of the main activities.

Espinoza, who studied social work and earned a technical scholarship in Gastronomic Establishment Management, entered the restaurant world in 2022. After working in human resources and administration at an iconic San José establishment, he resigned in September 2025, intending to rest. However, fate intervened, leading him to find the path to establish "Casa Calala" within two months.

Opening "Casa Calala" involved more than just investing his savings; it was an administrative battle. As a refugee, Espinoza faced months of bureaucratic hurdles to renew his Dimex, the foreign resident identification document. He completed these procedures just a month before his previous document expired, but the process was arduous.

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The idea is for this to be a home, like building a home away from home. I am a migrant, and that's how the idea of creating a home, a community, with things we liked was born.