2 traditional sailing canoes arrive from Satawal

Two traditional canoes used for sailing long distances between islands will be among the special exhibits in next week’s 28th Micronesian Flame Tree Arts Festival, according to Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Cecilia T. Celes.

Two such canoes, carrying master navigators and a number of their crew, arrived in the waters off Managaha yesterday, where they were welcomed by the department secretary and other officials.

It took the travelers eight days to sail from Satawal, an outer-island of Yap, to the CNMI. Satawal is known for its master navigators.

Celes said the canoes and their crew will stay on Managaha Island until Thursday, April 23, when they are expected to sail to Susupe for the official start of the festival.

Yesterday, the secretary called on community members to show their respect to the Satawal culture and tradition by not invading the sanctity of the canoes while docked on Saipan waters.

Throughout the festival, guest navigators will demonstrate to the community the important pieces and unique composition of the traditional canoes, the art of building them, and the significance of their existence to the outer-island cultures.

“This is something very new to the festival. Master navigators will share and demonstrate to the people how to build these voyaging canoes and the important role they play in their culture. We’re very happy to have these features as among the highlights of this year’s festival,” Celes said.

While on Managaha, police officers will help guard the sacred canoes.

Despite the economic hardships, DCCA vows to present a memorable festival this year, with the annual float competition, parade of cultures, entertainment and performances, and special live art demonstrations.

This year, DCCA slashed by $50 the rate charges for artists and food vendors. As of yesterday, all booths were confirmed fully booked for the four-day event.

Celes said all eight divisions of the DCCA, including the Aging Center, will be provided a free station at the festival ground to promote their programs, services, and products.

The opening ceremony on April 23 will start at 6pm all the way to 11pm. The same schedule is extended up to the second day, April 24.

On Saturday, the parade of cultures and the float competition will kick off at 9am through 11am. The celebration, however, will run through 11pm until the festival’s finale on Sunday.

This year’s theme is “Uniting the rainbows of arts and cultures.” The Flame Tree Arts Festival will be held at the Susupe Civic Center.

DCCA will also honor three local artists who passed away this year: master sand painter Albert Toves, coconut hand carver Danny Babauta, and Tun Manet Dela Cruz.

There are also four schools competing in the float contest this year—Kagman Elementary, San Vicente Elementary, San Antonio Elementary School, and the Ladera International School of Saipan. Due to budget constraints, DCCA has shelved the booth competition this year.

Guests and participants from off-island included seven from Palau; 10 from Tinian; and 10 from Rota. Guam will be this year’s biggest delegation with the expected participation of 115 individuals.

DCCA is paying for the ground transportation and food of all festival delegates.

The annual Flame Tree Arts Festival is the biggest arts and crafts gathering in Micronesia, drawing thousands of spectators from all over the islands.