Arts fest a crossroad of cultures

A long stretch of Beach Road from the Chamolinian Cultural Village all the way to American Memorial Park was closed to traffic from most of the late afternoon yesterday to give way to the “Parade of Cultures” that kicked off this year’s Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.

Delegates from Saipan Hawaiian Community, Japanese Society of Northern Marianas, Indian Community, United Filipino Organization, Thai Community, Chamolinian Cultural Village, Repaghulwosch Society of Saipan, and the Chinese Association of Saipan paraded in their respective national costumes.

Delegates from Rota, Tinian, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Guam and Hawaii also joined the parade.

Hundreds of spectators lined the street to witness the parade, which was led by the CNMI participants headed by Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela. Students from the Gregorio T. Camacho and William S. Reyes elementary schools also participated in the parade.

The delegates and spectators then proceeded to the festival venue at the memorial park for the opening ceremony of the three-day event. Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta welcomed guests and delegates to the festival’s opening, which was also attended by Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente.

Each participating group shared cultural presentations prior to the official pening ceremony. Pastor Ray Kinsella led the opening prayer and Lino Olopai, Emi Peter-Palican, Walter Atalig Manglona and the IMS Natibu Musikanta led the singing of the United States and the CNMI anthems.

Gov. Babauta had a brief speech welcoming guests, delegates and the public for their participation in this year’s arts festival. Sponsors for the said event were recognized for making the event a success.

Richard Parsons, manager of Northwest Airline for Guam and Saipan station, and Marie Lizama, also from Northwest Airlines, also gave brief remarks.

Festival dedications followed and were given to the families of Juan C. Santos, Florencia K. Seman and Yumiko Agi. Recognition was also given to the participants in the parade of cultures. Marshallese delegates presented gifts to the governor during their presentation.

Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture executive director Robert Hunter closed the ceremony by thanking all the participants and the people who have helped tremendously in the success of this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival.

The festival features more than 100 booths this year. Hunter said in previous interview that more than hundreds booth participants applied for this year’s festival but they could only accommodate at least a hundred.

The arts festival will run until tomorrow. Hunter said earlier that today usually is the biggest day for the festival so he invites everyone to partake in this annual festivity. Entertainment from several groups will be provided starting today at 10am until 1030pm.