43rd Flame Tree Arts Festival returns on April 19-21
The 43rd edition of one of the biggest events in the Marianas that celebrates the arts and culture of the CNMI, the annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, is set to return on April 19-21, 2024 at the Garapan Fishing Base in Kristo Rai.
Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture acting director Sepe Gloriana Teuira said the CCAC is excited to invite community to the 43rd Flame Tree Arts Festival where they can spend the day with artists, enjoy shows by a variety of performing artists, and satisfy one’s cravings by visiting several food vendors.
As one of the islands’ trademark events, the festival will highlight CNMI artists, whether it be through food or art pieces and works by local artists. This year, Teuira said, 35 artist booths and 15 food vendors have already signed up to be featured at the festival.
Teuira also said that a delegation that will be representing the CNMI in Hawaii this June at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, more popularly known as FestPac, will also be performing at the Flame Tree Arts Festival.
“It is always a big event because it is the only event in the CNMI that calls all artists in all mediums to gather for the weekend to display and demonstrate their art forms, be it traditional, folk, or contemporary. In this event, one will get to meet the artists, get to know them, and learn about their art works,” said Teuira.
The theme of this year’s arts festival is “Healing, Bridging, and Thriving.”
In explaining the festival’s theme, Teuira said: “Healing from our sufferings from the storms, the pandemic, and all the other challenges that we face in our daily lives. Bridging the gap between our diverse cultures, and co-existing harmoniously as one on this beautiful tiny rock island of ours. And thriving to be prosperous through our creativity in practicing our art forms and traditions.”
Teuira said that, as the annual Flame Tree Arts Festival nears its 50-year mark, it is important to continue to celebrate the event in order to educate the community, visitors, and the youth of the importance of keeping the arts and traditions alive.
“Understanding the changes that we are going through, and with modern technology, it is vital that we also keep up our practices of traditions because this is our identity and the definition of who we are as people of the Marianas,” she said.
She also wants to acknowledge community members and sponsors who have supported the event throughout the years.
“Thank you to our community for coming out each and every year to support our annual festival,” said Teuira. “I acknowledge our partners both in government and private sectors for their consideration in supporting our event financially. Thank you to our artists and volunteers who take the time away from their family and busy schedules to take part in this free event, and thank you to our off-island artists for leaving their family and island behind to join us in making this event a success. We appreciate you all,” she said.
CCAC is excited to showcase the wide range of artistic talents in the CNMI, and is inviting the community to not only mark their calendars, but join the celebration of Marianas artists this April.
The event is set to start Friday, April 19, at 5pm and conclude at 11pm. On Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, the event will last from 3pm until 11pm.
Sepe Gloriana Teuira
