Getting to the 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on Feb. 16-17, 2024, from Saipan just got easier with the addition of ferry service by the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Ferry round trip cost is $20 for ages 3-11, $50 for ages 12 and older. For one way, the cost is $15 for ages 3-11, $25 for ages 12 and older. Children ages 0-2 are free. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and tickets are non-transferable. The ferry schedule will be:

Feb. 16, departing Saipan at 8am and departing Tinian at 2pm

Feb. 17, departing Saipan at 8am and departing Tinian at 2pm

Feb. 18, departing Saipan at at 8am and departing Tinian at 4pm

“We’re pleased to announce the return of ferry service for those wanting to enjoy the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival this year,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Everything is pointing to another spectacular President’s Day weekend filled with food, fun, Tinian stunning nature, and the people’s exceptional hospitality. Mark your calendars and come down for a day or a weekend!”

Docomo Pacific is the Exclusive Pika Sponsor of the 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival.

The festival will kick off on the evening of Feb. 6 and 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.

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).

The Super Emerald ferry will depart from the Commonwealth Ports Authority dock in Lower Base, Saipan. Passengers must check in one hour before departure. Each paying customer is allowed one free checked bag and one additional checked bag for $20 for a combined total weight of up to 70 lbs. One household pet of up to 50 lbs is allowed per paying customer, and 35 passengers will be accommodated per ferry.

Advanced ticket purchase is required and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Ticket purchases may be made at the MVA Office on Tinian or Saipan. Cash payments only will be accepted.

The festival, affectionately known as “Pika Fest” among locals (“pika” means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous “donne sali.” Contests scheduled for the President’s Day weekend event are the Hot Pepper Eating Contest, JC Cafe Hot Burger Eating Contest, the Estafao Pika (spicy chicken stew) Cooking Contest, a Cha-cha Dance Contest where contestants are encouraged/will be judged on wearing hot pepper-themed attire, and more.

The event is organized by the MVA in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in organizing this milestone event, especially the MVA, the Tinian Mayor’s Office, local culinary artisans, booth vendors, sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers,” said Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan. “Without their hard work and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival annually. Please mark your calendars for the dates of the festival, and together, let’s celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival. We look forward to seeing you at the festival grounds!”

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 (670) 433-9365, or the Tinian Mayor’s Office at (670) 433-1802. (MVA)