Carnival in Costa Rica

Luisa returns from the United States to Costa Rica, where her parents arrange a marriage to Pepe Castro. She is charming, spirited, and torn between family duty and a growing love for Jeff. Her choices drive the romance and the comedic complications of the plot.

Pepe is the Castros' son who tries to uphold the arranged match while juggling a secret romance with Luisa and Celeste's interference. He feigns illness to hide the situation from his father and family. His actions catalyze the misdirection and the eventual marriage twist.

Celeste is Pepe's American girlfriend who arrives in Costa Rica prepared to advance her own agenda. She suspects Luisa and becomes a rival in the romantic triangle. Her presence accelerates the clash between personal desire and social expectations.

Jeff is an American coffee buyer who falls for Luisa during a chance encounter in the plaza and at the El Sestéo nightclub. He embodies an open, modern approach to romance while navigating cultural differences. His Kansas roots surface as a bridge to Luisa's family and their expectations.

Rico Molina is Luisa's protective father and the family patriarch who initially upholds traditional authority. He is surprised by the pace of romance and the possibility of cross-cultural happiness, and he must weigh his daughter's future against social norms.

Padre Rafael is the family priest who embodies conservative Catholic values and serves as the moral compass. He questions the rapid romance and influences how the families respond to the developing relationship. His guidance underscores the clash between faith, tradition, and modern love.

Elsa Molina is Luisa's mother, an American-born matriarch who bridges cultures. She supports Luisa's happiness and navigates the tension between traditional Costa Rican expectations and the allure of a cross-cultural romance.

Pepe's father, a stern patriarch who reinforces traditional values and reputation. He is initially skeptical of the cross-cultural romance but must contend with the reality of his son's choices and the possibility of happiness for his family.

Mama Castro is Pepe's mother, a guardian of family expectations who supports the arranged match while contending with the evolving romance. She plays a key role in maintaining family dynamics through the fiesta season.

Maria Molina is Luisa's relative who participates in the Molina family's social world and observes the romance firsthand. She contributes to the family dynamics that influence Luisa's decisions.

Juan Molina is a younger member of the Molina family who adds youthful energy to the fiesta scenes. He lightens the mood amidst the romance and family drama.