Marianas-chan and more
Representatives of various ethnic communities in the Marianas display their traditional attire during the opening of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s 3rd Annual International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 9, 2017, at the Garapan Fishing Base. The festival will be held every Saturday evening throughout September. (MVA)
The 3rd Annual International Festival of Cultures returns on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Garapan Fishing Base for another full night of festivities.
Inclement weather last Sept. 9 forced the postponement of the Parade of Cultures and ethnic costume fashion show until the final festival night on Sept. 30. However, entertainment and other festivities pushed through, including a special performance by Marianas-chan Jebro Leon and his dance partner Aliyah Pua, who will help promote the Marianas later this month at the JATA Tourism Expo in Tokyo.
Leon and Pua return to the stage this Saturday, along with another line-up of entertainers: Japanese community at 6pm, Chuukese and Pohnpeian community at 6:30pm, Palauan community at 7pm, Korean community at 7:45pm, Bangladeshi community at 8:15pm, Filipino community at 8:30pm, and Refaluwasch community at 8:45pm
Food sales, arts and crafts sales, photo booth, free roast pig, and hands-on cultural demonstrations at the various ethnic booths will be held from 5pm to 9pm.
“Rain is considered a blessing in many of our island cultures, but we are all looking forward to better weather this weekend and a strong turnout for the International Festival of Cultures,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “Whether you sit and enjoy the entertainment, want to ask questions and learn about different cultures, or just want to pick up a quick dinner, we invite everyone to stop by.”
Slated to participate in the festival are the communities of Korea, China, Japan, Chamorro, Carolinian, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, Palau, Bangladesh, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and the Philippines.
Additional supporters are IT&E, Imperial Pacific International CNMI LLC, Skywalker, and PDM Promoters.
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects coordinator Janerlinse Seman Sablan at jsablan@mymarianas.com or 664-3210. (PR)
