The Howler Turns 30: Three Decades of Telling the Costa Rica Story

There are certain publications that become more than just magazines or websites. Over time, they become part of the fabric of the place they cover, a record of the people, businesses, changes and stories that help define a community. In Guanacaste, The Howler is one of those publications.

We have had the pleasure of being part of that story ourselves. In early 2021, Tres Amigos Realty Group and Tank Tops Flip Flops began a marketing partnership with The Howler as it was making the transition from its traditional print magazine to a digital, online-only publication. It was an interesting moment for a publication that had spent nearly 25 years putting ink on paper, but it also turned out to be the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 254

Now, as The Howler celebrates its 30th anniversary, we thought it was worth taking a look back at just how far this particular piece of Guanacaste history has come.

It Started in a Very Different Guanacaste

Costa Rica has chosen its next leader, and the message from voters was clear: stability, security, and economic momentum matter. Laura Fernández Delgado was elected president with 48.3% of the vote, crossing the threshold needed to avoid a second-round runoff, according to the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE). Her victory marks both a continuation of the current administration’s direction and a generational shift in leadership.

Fernández, widely seen as the political heir to outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves, ran a campaign centered on economic growth and institutional reform. She emphasized support for private enterprise, foreign investment, tourism, and major infrastructure projects, while also promising improvements in education and a firmer stance on public security. These themes resonated with voters at a time when concerns about crime, corruption, and government efficiency have moved to the forefront of national debate.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 249 

Early legislative results also worked in Fernández’s favor. Her party made significant gains in the 57-seat Legislative Assembly, giving the incoming president a stronger base of support than many recent administrations have enjoyed. While not enough for unilateral constitutional reforms, this foothold provides Fernández with a valuable head start as she begins negotiations and policy implementation.