Marianas Festival to celebrate Pacific Northwest’s Chamorro, Refaluwasch communities
The Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders proudly announces the inaugural Marianas Festival, the first-ever event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, set to take place on Aug. 23-24, 2024.
The festival aims to bring together the diaspora Chamoru/Chamorro of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Carolinian communities in the Pacific Northwest.
The theme for this year’s festival, “Divided by the Land, Connected by the Ocean / Man Apattáo gi Tano’, lao Man Chetton gi Tasi,” reflects the event’s focus on unity and cultural pride. The festival will be a unique opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, celebrate their heritage, and
Engage in hands-on workshops and traditional activities, including:
Weaving
Traditional Chamorro carving
Lighatúttúr
Mwaar
Sling throwing acho’ atupat
Traditional Chamorro dance, song, and chant
CHamoru sign kanguage
Pottery making
Historical exhibits
Exploration of Latte stones presentation
Day 2 Festival (free entry; $5 parking fee) — August 24, 2024:
Blue Lake Park, Fairview, OR, 10am-7pm
Enjoy a day filled with live performances, cultural displays, and community resources, featuring:
Chamorro Dancing Performances by Guma Imahe’, Guma Kutturan Marianas, Guma Bailadora, and Guma Imahen Taotao Tảno
Live Music by Pacific Cool, Par 3, PNW Island Jammerz, Tonya Jae, Chad Rivera, Island Reminyse Band, Tokah, Imani & RaKhan
Marianas Auto Show
Over 50 vendors offering traditional crafts, foods, and more
Partnerships with various organizations to provide free resources, including health services, financial literacy, and more
The Marianas Festival is committed to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Marianas Islands while promoting unity, inclusion, and belonging. The event also emphasizes the importance of community well-being, offering resources for health, self-sufficiency, and economic strength. We invite local businesses and community members to join us in this celebration.
“The Marianas Festival is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our community in the PNW. It’s a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and a unifying moment that showcases our traditions, connects our people, and ensures that our legacy continues for future generations. We warmly invite everyone to be part of this shared experience of pride, unity, and the Hafa Adai spirit, “ said Bertina Balajadia Grajo, president of MAGI
For more information and to get involved, visit www.marianasfestival.com or contact us at info@marianastestival.com.
About MAGI
The Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders is a 501©(3) non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage of the Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Carolinian communities in the Pacific Northwest. MAGI promotes unity, empowerment, education, and community involvement through various cultural events, performances, and programs. (PR)
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