Hundreds of people marched today in San Jose, Costa Rica to express their rejection to xenophobia and the violent acts that took place a week ago when a group of protesters yelled offenses against Nicaraguans and took to physical aggression.

The activity began at 10 a.m., a group began their walk from the University of Costa Rica and another one from La Merced Park, they then met and walked together to the Plaza de la Democracia. No incidents were reported in this event, that according to the Public Police Force, was “5 or 6 times bigger than the protests last weekend”.

The number of Nicaraguans seeking asylum in Costa Rica has increased in the past few months as a result of the social, political and economic crisis that their country is facing.

With chants such as “Ticos and Nicas are brothers” and flags of both Central American countries, the group of protesters aimed to show that Costa Rica continues to be a peaceful and solidary nation.

During the protest last week the police arrested 44 people, many of them with criminal records. The movement was fueled in part by false information shared by groups in social media.

President Alvarado also condemned the acts of aggression against Nicaraguans and in a speech earlier this week stated: “Costa Rican laws must be respected, by all people and without distinction of someone’s nationality, I understand the concern of many Costa Ricans, but the best way to face these concerns is not from fear but through intelligent and balanced work. I make a call for peace, and to act with good sense, to not fall victim to provocation or hate; let’s get correct information. Each person plays a fundamental role in maintaining the social peace, which as Costa Ricans we have lived by and built for decades and enjoy today. Over calls for violence or hate, good judgment, prudence, solidarity and intelligence must prevail; in this effort we need You, and every person in the country”.