Qué Tenemos Aquí: A live performance and upcoming album!
This past February, NOCA and Amor Reluciente came together to present Qué Tenemos Aquí at Encuentro Nosara — an immersive evening of music, poetry, and movement that celebrated the spirit and story of Nosara.
The event was met with a full house and an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Participants and audience members alike experienced a deeply moving collaboration that brought together local and international voices to create a collective “love poem to Nosara.”
Blending original music, spoken word, and dance, the performance explored themes of memory, belonging, gratitude, and connection to place — tracing the evolving story of Nosara through shared artistic expression.
More than a single performance, Qué Tenemos Aquí continues to evolve as an ongoing community-driven project. We look forward to sharing the next chapters of this journey as it grows through new collaborations, recordings, and future presentations.
Stay tuned for the forthcoming album, produced in collaboration with Harmony Projects recording studio under the musical direction of Daniel Mora and sound engineer Alejandro Sauter, featuring the creative contributions of more than 40 musicians, lyricists, and artists who came together to bring this evolving community project to life.
February 2026: Students from Colegio Boca de Nosara and Del Mar Academy came together for a week of hands-on learning, design, and storytelling—collaborating on a community garden, public art sculpture, nature playground, and a short film exploring the history and spirit of the park site.
Que Tenemos Aqui - the creation of a Love Poem to Nosara
In November 2024, after a year of planning, we launched Que Tenemos Aquí: A Love Poem to Nosara, a multidisciplinary celebration of poetry, dance, and music that united the local and international community. Led by poet Manuel Iglesias, choreographer Jasmin Rituper, and composer Daniel Mora, the group engaged in a series of workshops over a ten week period to collaborate and create a powerful performance. The program culminated in a successful final performance in February 2025 with overwhelming audience appreciation.
The group has since been invited to perform at other venues across Nosara.
Bosque Comunitario Los Espaveles 2025
This year, NOCA’s student program pivoted from trail restoration to a unique opportunity: designing a 5-hectare community park with the NCA (Nosara Civic Association). Sixteen students—eight local, eight from Del Mar Academy - gained insight into sustainable design and conservation.
A visit to a community park in Sámara inspired their own conceptual plans including trails, a dog park, rancho, garden, and much more.
More than a project, this initiative continues to foster youth leadership, cultural connection, and a shared vision for Nosara’s future. We’re excited for what’s ahead.
Somos Uno: A Drum Circle series by local musician Daniel Mora
Meaning "We Are One," Somos Uno brings together both locals and expats to break down social and cultural barriers, fostering a strong sense of community through rhythm.
Using music as a universal language, Somos Uno aims to unite people, creating a space for individuals from all backgrounds to share stories and celebrate the diversity of Nosara. Led by Daniel’s passion for cultural exchange, the program helps build deeper connections, dismantling stigmas and misconceptions.
Through drumming and dancing, Somos Uno embodies the spirit of unity, reinforcing that in Nosara, We Are One.
Rio Nosara Sendero Meraki 2024
Students from Colegio Boca de Nosara and Del Mar Academy came together again for a 5-day program to learn and develop concepts for the trail improvements and nature regeneration along the river bank. The Rio Nosara Sendero Meraki is a long-term annual project which focuses on the trail between Santa Marta and the commercial centre (la Bomba). This program is part of a joint effort between NOCA, the NCA and a number of stakeholders in Nosara. Our objective for 2024 is to complete the planning and logistics, get the necessary approvals and start planting with the NOCA students during the wet season. Stay tuned for more!
Project: Rio Nosara Sendero Meraki
2023
In January 2023, 42 local and international students took part in the 2-week long Rio Nosara Sendero Meraki project, aiming to create a 1.5km trail and linear park along the river from Santa Marta to the commercial center. This project highlights the importance of the Rio Nosara, connecting various community areas, the NCA trail system, and environmentally sensitive land leading to Playa Nosara. Initial support from local stakeholders and leaders has been pivotal in advancing the vision for this environmental regeneration project.
Project: Re-imagining my sustainable Nosara
2020
How do you get 32 local students to volunteer to an intensive week-long design program, to collaboratively re-imagine Nosara as a sustainable community and come up with a plan that promotes cross-cultural exchanges and environmental stewardship?