The participation of Costa Rica in the OTI Festival began at the fifth OTI Festival in 1976. The Costa Rican participating broadcasters were (Teletica) and (Telecentro) (latter (Repretel)), which were members of the (OTI) and participated jointly âÂÂor in turnâ in the event. They participated in all twenty-four editions after their debut. Their best result in the festival was second achieved in 1997. Repretel hosted the event in 1998.
The first Costa Rican entry in the festival was "Patria" by Felix ÃÂngel in 1976 which placed 13th, scoring only two points. Since its debut. Costa Rica never managed to win the festival but it enjoyed some successes. In 1980, El amor se va" by Ricardo Padilla achieved fourth place scoring 29 points. Two years later in 1982, the same singer returned to the event, again placing fourth with the song "La mujer de mi vida". In 1977, "La hora cero" by Erick León recorded Costa Rica's highest place ever, placing second. In 1986, "Bendito seas, varón" by Cristina Gutiérrez placed third.
(Repretel) staged the OTI Festival 1998 at in San José. The stage was dark colored with a blue floor. The orchestra zone was in the background.