Four-day arts festival a roaring success

The celebration of artistic and cultural diversity dominated the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival celebration from June 9 to 12 at the American Memorial Park West of the Bell Tower.

A total of 56 arts and crafts as well as off-island delegation booths and eight food vendor booths were set up at the festival, with most of the arts and crafts booths doing demonstrations for spectators.

Performance highlights were the presentations from the New Zealand and Japan delegations, which attracted large crowds.

New Zealand performers staged traditional Maori dances Saturday afternoon and last night, while the 36-member Dream Hula group from Fussa City in Japan presented island dances Saturday night.

The Council dedicated this year’s festival to former Rota staff Balbina DLC Taisacan, former arts coordinator on Saipan Martin M. Sablan, visual artist Rolando “Rolly” Del Rosario, Tinian musician Vicente M. Muna, and Wellipal Cultural Dancers member Vicente S. Kaipat.

Taisacan, in an interview after accepting her dedication certificate, said she is not ready to quit her job even after 20 years of service. Taisacan, who does handicrafts, said she is still willing to demonstrate and give lessons sans the manual labor due to her limited mobility.

“I really care for the future generations because our arts, traditions and culture are very much vanishing,” she told Saipan Tribune. “I want to see it grow stronger instead.”

Arts Council executive director Angel S. Hocog said this year’s celebration was a big success.

An array of artworks—from paintings and photographs to wood carvings and art trinkets—were among the signature attractions at the festival.

Mentine Esteves, who has been weaving for the last 10 years, said this is her third year to join the festival.

“The festival is part of my learning process in becoming a better artist,” she said.

Tinian resident Cynthia Dela Cruz Takasi, who inherited her hot pepper business from her parents, said it is significant for her to join the festival. “It’s almost like a tradition for me, knowing that my mom and dad used to participate in the festival as well,” she said.

Although they had to pay for their own airfare and accommodations, the three-member Guam delegation went ahead and took part in this year’s festival.

“I know the economy is not that great but still, the festival is one way to perpetuate our arts and culture,” said Greg Pangelinan. The other two members are Frank Perez and Pat Claros.

Eighteen members of the Taotao Taga Dancers from Tinian also joined the four-day festival.