Participants in the Yutu 5K Holiday Fun Run on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan take to the start line before the race, which kicked off the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, marking the resiliency and recovery of the community following Super Typhoon Yutu. (MVA Photos)
Participants in the Yutu 5K Holiday Fun Run on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan take to the start line before the race, which kicked off the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, marking the resiliency and recovery of the community following Super Typhoon Yutu. (MVA Photos)
Members of the audience join the final number of the Saipan Awaodori dance troupe during the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan. The celebration included the Moichitsuki Festival, an annual Japanese celebration marking the new year.
Children enjoy a free bounce house at the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan. The event was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, PDM Promoters, Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Japan Northern Marianas Descent Association.
Rep. Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) pounds mochi at the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan, Saipan. The celebration included the Mochitsuki Festival, the Japanese traditional pounding of glutenous rice to mark the new year.
Marianas Visitors Authority chief accountant Joanne Paraiso, left, and accountant Jadel Ignacio give out Saipan-da backpacks and sell fundraising T-shirts at the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan. Proceeds of the event will be given to Karidat Social Services and other organizations providing relief assistance following Super Typhoon Yutu.
Festivalgoers sample free mochi, a traditional Japanese food prepared at new year, at the #MarianasSTRONG Year-end Celebration, on Dec. 29, 2018, in Garapan.
