Nosara, today we count

Between ocarinas, fire, and flutes, the beginnings of warriors who never rested were forged.

The waters of the Nosara River, born from the arms of its father, the great cacique Nicoa, gave the seed of life to thousands of people who crossed its landscapes, leaving footprints that will never be forgotten.

Nosara sustained the Ruiz, López, Fajardo, and Arrieta families—settlers from Arado and Nicoya who appeared more than 110 years ago, drawn by the promise of fertile land full of treasures… but only for those who knew how to care for and respect it.

And they grew, and multiplied, and word spread:that Nosara was fertile, that it was beautiful, and that abundance flowed from it.

The honey drew both the good and the bad, visionaries and protectors alike.

And so, those who held power and wealth in those times came forward.

Félix Arauz arrived, and Don Filemón arrived.

A divorce came, a betrayal… and rumors.

Injustice also crept in, and papers came to hold more power than a person’s word and honor.

Soon, the tools of the land were put aside, and the promise of beasts was embraced.

Someone was already coming in machines with propellers… and suddenly they landed, bought, and took advantage.

Those who lived there had to leave.

Consolations were handed out, and silences were sealed with signatures.

Nosara does not forget what was torn away, nor does the land forgive what was forgotten.

The shadow was called to take sides, and evil was given its instructions.

The seven black cats were locked in that room of the Hacienda, and the deal was sealed:

more power, more wealth, in exchange for silences… and weakened consciences.

And evil felt it had won… until the cats escaped.

Dreams and a pact that was never fulfilled.

From then on, no more land was sold:the promise was traded for money.

A town grew, and a better life was promised.

Two roads, two visions, two tongues:

development, water, roads, dust, and progress.

Two ways to tell the tale.

But the true story is guarded by those who keep Nosara’s memory.

Today, among all the people and families, we are writing another version.

Today we count ourselves, and we tell the world who Nosara is,what makes us proud, but also what hurts us.

That guilt, silence, and the time of ignoring humble wisdom… are now behind us.

Today Nosara celebrates and takes on the task: to care for what remainsand to ensure the same abundance our ancestors plantedfor the boys and girls who will defend this community in the future.

And so we are… but we will not stay this way.

Amid so many twists and many tales,today we tell ourselves, and today we tell how we are and how many we are.

A new sowing.

A new opportunity.

Let’s begin.

Told by Consuelo Juárez, storyteller from the community of Nosara, on July 18 – Nosara Census Event “100 Years, 100 People: Nosara, Portrait of a Living Community”