Saipan Tribune

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Rota prepares for annual fiesta

The island of Rota is gearing up for its annual San Francisco de Borja Fiesta celebration on Oct. 6 and 7.

Lorenzo A. Barcinas, overall general committee chair for the festivities, said yesterday that their group is now busy preparing the event venue at Rota's Roundhouse field.

“We're now clearing the area to accommodate local residents and guests during the fiesta,” Barcinas said in a phone interview.

According to Barcinas, the fiesta committee has lined up several activities and events for the community to enjoy.

The celebration is set to kick off on the evening of Sept. 28 when the nightly rosary will be offered to mark the beginning of the 9-day novena in honor of the island's patron saint.

By Oct. 1, the fiesta grounds will be opened to the public for the planned nightly activities which include karaoke competition for children and adults, said Barcinas.

Local performing groups

There will also be booths offering food and other merchandise at the fiesta grounds. Barcinas disclosed that four vendors have already confirmed their participation in the event.

On Oct. 6, the last day of the novena, there will be a procession followed by the traditional feast. The fiesta celebration will conclude the next day with a family picnic and a raffle draw that would give away cash prizes, including the grand prize of $1,500.

All raffle draw prizes have been donated, noted Barcinas.

“We're inviting everyone from Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to join us in celebrating our fiesta. Hopefully, there won't be problems with the flights in those days,” Barcinas told Saipan Tribune.

Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola, in a separate interview Friday, said that anticipated tourists for the fiesta will be flown to the island by Freedom Air.

“Unfortunately, with their bigger planes down, they will be using smaller ones,” said Mendiola, adding that they are in communication with Star Marianas which is willing to provide charter flights to Rota during the fiesta.

Mendiola urged the public to take a break out of their busy schedule and take part in this year's San Francisco de Borja Fiesta to enjoy Rota's peaceful atmosphere and island hospitality.

“I wish those who come regularly for the fiesta will join us again this year. We do our best to make our yearly fiesta an enjoyable experience for them,” added Barcinas.

For more information, call 532-9461.