Hot pepper eating contest at Tinian Pika Festival
Some like it hot, and the 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival is welcoming those who do to its hot pepper eating contest on Feb. 16-17, 2024, in the Marianas.
Challengers of the Hot Pepper Eating Contest will be challenged to chomp 100 pieces of the diminutive but famously potent “donne sali” hot pepper. Both male and female divisions will take to the stage on Saturday. Registration can be made in-person at the festival.
The festival, affectionately known as “Pika Fest” among locals (“pika” means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous “donne sali.” Other contests scheduled for the President’s Day weekend evet are the JC Café Hot Burger Eating Contest, the Estafao Pika (spicy chicken stew) Cooking Contest, and Cha-cha Dance Contest, where contestants are encouraged to wear hot pepper-themed attire.
The event is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan.
“Every year, we turn up the heat a little bit more at the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival, and 2024 is no exception,” said MVA Community Projects ,anager Martin Duenas. “We invite everyone to Tinian and enjoy the competitions, food sales, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and more.”
The festival will kick off on the evening of Feb. 16 and will continue on Feb. 17. The event will be held at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian, adjacent to the picturesque Jones Beach and House of Taga, a U.S. National Historic Landmark featuring limestone monoliths carved by ancient Chamorros.
“This year’s festival promises to be even more special, as we commemorate two decades of Tinian’s spicy pika goodness,” said Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan Edwin Aldan. “It will be a time for us to reflect on our heritage, appreciate the talents of our local farmers and chefs, and enjoy the wonderful, fiery dishes that make our island unique. In addition to the mouthwatering selection of hot pepper-infused delicacies, the festival will feature cultural performances, live music, and various activities for all ages. We invite both locals and visitors to join us in celebrating our shared appreciation of Tinian’s locally grown hot peppers and the diversity of our island’s heritage.”
Hotel accommodations are available at Tinian Ocean View, Tinian Diamond Hotel and Casino, Tinian Diamond Suites, Tinian Western Lodge Hotel, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Tinian Street Motel, Fleming Hotel, Green Lion House Hotel, Lucky Homes Hotel, and the Marpo Valley Inn. Free camping is available at Jones Beach, Taga Beach (toilets, barbecue pits, and outdoor showers available) and at the adjacent Tachogna Beach (barbecue pits, outdoor showers, and toilets are available).
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ray Villagomez at rvillagomez@mymarianas.com, Tinian Field Operations supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or 433-9365 or the Tinian Mayor’s Office at 433-1802. (PR)
The 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be held on Feb. 16-17, 2024.
