{"id":404352,"date":"2024-01-12T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=404352"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Saipan-Tinian-ferry-available-for-Tinian-Hot-Pepper-Festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Saipan-Tinian-ferry-available-for-Tinian-Hot-Pepper-Festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Saipan-Tinian ferry available for Tinian Hot Pepper Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

Feb. 16, departing Saipan at 8am and departing Tinian at 2pm<\/p>\n

Feb. 17, departing Saipan at 8am and departing Tinian at 2pm<\/p>\n

Feb. 18, departing Saipan at at 8am and departing Tinian at 4pm<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pleased to announce the return of ferry service for those wanting to enjoy the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival this year,\u201d said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. \u201cEverything is pointing to another spectacular President\u2019s Day weekend filled with food, fun, Tinian stunning nature, and the people\u2019s exceptional hospitality. Mark your calendars and come down for a day or a weekend!\u201d<\/p>\n

Docomo Pacific is the Exclusive Pika Sponsor of the 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Hotel accommodations are available at Tinian Ocean View, Tinian Diamond Hotel and Casino, Tinian Diamond Suites, Tinian Western Lodge Hotel, Lorilynn\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

The Super Emerald<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The festival, affectionately known as \u201cPika Fest\u201d among locals (\u201cpika\u201d means spicy), pays homage to Tinian\u2019s small but famous \u201cdonne sali.\u201d Contests scheduled for the President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The event is organized by the MVA in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI extend my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in organizing this milestone event, especially the MVA, the Tinian Mayor\u2019s Office, local culinary artisans, booth vendors, sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers,\u201d said Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan. \u201cWithout their hard work and commitment, we wouldn\u2019t be able to celebrate the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival annually. Please mark your calendars for the dates of the festival, and together, let\u2019s celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival. We look forward to seeing you at the festival grounds!\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ray Villagomez at rvillagomez@mymarianas.com<\/a>, Tinian Field Operations supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or (670) 433-9365, or the Tinian Mayor\u2019s Office at (670) 433-1802. (MVA)<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The 18th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in March 2022 in San Jose, Tinian, in the Marianas. The 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be held on Feb. 16-17, 2024.<\/p>\n

-MVA
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