The Botero Bravo family, known to millions online as ‘Los Chicaneros,’ has become a global phenomenon, amassing 30 million followers across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and primarily TikTok. This Colombian family, based in Orlando, has carved out a unique space in digital entertainment with their clean, family-friendly humor and consistent content.
In an exclusive interview, Cristina Bravo described their deliberate approach to content creation. She explained, “We have wanted to be a different type of influencer. We don’t like controversies or getting into trouble. We are very careful with the content, the vocabulary used, and we try to be a family that, despite having the problems of any family, these never cross the screens.” Their content often features comedic sketches rooted in common, everyday family situations.
The name “Chicaneros” itself carries cultural significance. In their native Colombia, the term refers to someone who boasts about successes or luxuries they do not genuinely possess. This context subtly informs their brand of humor, which playfully highlights relatable domestic scenarios rather than exaggerated lifestyles.
Their breakthrough moment arrived unexpectedly, as son Nicolás Botero recounted. He initially convinced his parents, Don Nelson and Doña Cristina, to create family videos, which quickly gained traction. One particular video proved to be a turning point. It depicted Don Nelson attempting a diet, only to comically slip on a piece of cilantro and ultimately resort to eating a hamburger.
Nicolás, affectionately known as ‘Nico,’ revealed the impact of that specific sketch. He said, “It was really the video that for many years people would see us and say: ‘oh, that man who spun around because of the cilantro, the man who breaks his diet.’ And somehow with that we discovered that maybe we were closed off, because we were afraid to step out of the mold of the topics we had already done. With that video, we realized that the possibilities were infinite.” This success encouraged them to broaden their comedic scope. The family’s daughter, Antonia, was part of the project early on but later moved to Miami after getting married to start her own family.
The dynamic between Nelson and Cristina is another key to their appeal. Their long-standing marriage forms a foundation for humor that is both endearing and authentic. Don Nelson, according to his son, has always been naturally funny. “My dad has always been like that, before social media and everything. As long as I can remember, he’s been funny,” Nico observed.
Don Nelson himself embraces his role with enthusiasm, stating, “I have a lot of energy, I like to wake up and be aware of what we are going to do, what we can laugh about, where to get the joke. If we have to dress up, we dress up. I am willing to do whatever it takes, because it is our project, and we like it.” Doña Cristina complements his energy with her tender, motherly presence, offering advice and encouragement with a humorous twist, all while carefully avoiding any contentious subjects.
While his parents bring the raw comedic talent, Nico identifies himself as the “action and execution” specialist, content to be the force behind the scenes. His parents recognize his role, calling him “the scriptwriter, playwright, and editor” for their viral content. This collaborative spirit, blending traditional family dynamics with modern digital savvy, defines their success.
For other Hispanic families aspiring to digital fame, Nico emphasizes consistency and genuine connection with the audience. He shared, “There are many people doing family content, but for people to have embraced us and continued supporting us for so many years, it has been a learning process, of showing respect to the people who watch us, of striving and improving every day so they laugh and feel comfortable with our content.” They acknowledge the difficulty of sustaining creativity over time. With over four thousand videos produced, Nico reflected, “To this day we have made four thousand videos, you reach the point where you ask yourself, what else can we do that they like? So, every day is a difficult job.” Their formula, however, remains simple: keep trying, keep publishing, and keep adapting.