Saipan Tribune

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2013

PIC celebrates Russian New Year

With its white and silver trimmings, Pacific Islands Club's Magellan Restaurant was transformed on Jan. 14 to reflect the atmosphere of the North Wonderland as the hotel hosted its annual Russian New Year party.

Close to 200 guests comprised of tourists and members of the local Russian community gathered at the party to enjoy the traditional festive holiday based on the Julian calendar.

“PIC is the only hotel on island that organizes and hosts such wonderful, traditional parties for Russian visitors of Saipan yearly, giving Russian guests from PIC and other hotels as well as the local Russian community to enjoy the holiday season in Russian style which we're accustomed to, even while being far away from home and on vacation,” said Anna Yushkova, PIC Russian sales and marketing manager.

This year's theme was Northern Lights, featuring pioneers or inhabitants of the North Pole with their customs and traditions, inspiring Russian celebrities Konstantin Pospelov and Vilatii Rogozin to create a unique and entertaining program highlighting song performances, dance contests, and other fun games and activities for revelers young and old.

Yushkova said that guests enjoyed traditional New Year greetings, had photo opportunities, and received various gifts and souvenirs from Ded Moroz as Russian Santa Claus and Snegurochka, Santa Claus' granddaughter.

Guests also participated in a raffle draw that served as a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital in Vladivostok, Russia. Valuable prizes included exciting gifts from local tour operators, restaurants, shopping centers, jewelry shops, and hotels.

“We are looking forward to next year's holiday season and greatest celebrations of the Orthodox Christmas and Old Style New Year and have a lot of fun here in PIC again,” said Yushkova.