A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

RICA

Wed, 22 Feb '23
Costa ___
Fri, 17 Jun '22
Costa ___
Sun, 5 Jun '22
Costa ____
Wed, 23 Feb '22
Costa ___
Sun, 14 Nov '21
Costa ___
Thu, 15 Jul '21
Costa ___
Fri, 25 Jun '21
Costa ___
Sat, 19 Jun '21
Villa ___ de la Vera Cruz (historic city name)