Nicaraguan dancer brings folklore to expatriates in Costa Rica

For Karla Meza Sánchez, a 50-year-old Nicaraguan living in Costa Rica, the dream of dancing Nicaraguan folklore has been reignited. Donning a traditional huipil and headdress, she now leads "El Macho Ratón y el Jolgorio Folclórico Nicaragüense," a collective she established with fellow artists to bring Nicaragua's vibrant culture to the Nicaraguan diaspora in Costa Rica.

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I can say that I have always been an entrepreneur. My mother taught us to work from a very young age, out of the need to contribute to the household.

Meza's journey into dance was delayed by necessity. Born in Managua, she prioritized study and work from a young age, as her mother instilled the importance of contributing to the household. Emigrating to Costa Rica at 16, she worked and studied, eventually earning her high school diploma at night. While she briefly joined a cultural group called "Raíces de mi Tierra" in 1997, dancing took a backseat for 27 years.

Her return to the stage began in 2025 when she joined forces with Carlos Eddy Monterrey, known as "El Macho Ratón." Monterrey had already been promoting Nicaraguan culture independently for five years. Together, they decided to create a collective that would bring cultural presentations directly to where the Nicaraguan community gathers. The name "Jolgorio Folclórico Nicaragüense" reflects their mission: to bring joy through culture.

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We met and the idea was born to bring cultural presentations, our folklore, directly to where the community is.

Unlike other folkloric groups that focus on formal theater performances, Meza's collective opts for a more accessible approach. They perform at Nicaraguan restaurants, community fairs, and private events, reaching the migrant community in their everyday spaces. This strategy aims to spread happiness and cultural pride through lively performances.

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What is 'jolgorio'? Joy. Bringing joy through culture. Because we want to bring joy to the public.