International Festival of Cultures kicks off tomorrow at the Paseo

The inaugural International Festival of Cultures will kick off tomorrow, Sept. 13, at the Paseo de Marianas pedestrian mall in Garapan.

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s newest annual event, which will showcase the diverse cultures of the CNMI, will open at 5pm and performances will start at 6pm and end at 11pm.

The event will be held every Saturday starting tomorrow and on Sept. 20, 24, 27, before concluding on Oct. 4.

On the last day of the event, Oct. 4, there will be a parade starting at 5:30pm in Garapan from the Carolinian Affairs Office to American Memorial Park ending at Coral Tree Avenue.

The event will feature 18 different cultures, from the indigenous people of the CNMI to Kosrae, Palau, Chuuk, Japan, Bangladesh, Korea, China, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, Marquesas, and Cook Islands.

The different cultures will showcase their heritage through performing arts, cuisine, and arts and crafts. There will also be demonstration booths.

MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said the festival is not just about the indigenous people of the CNMI but also about other cultures here.

“We have guest workers and other cultures that help play an important role in the CNMI’s success,” he said.

Tenorio said they decided to hold the festival in September because it is considered a low season for tourists.

Low seasons start usually at the end of summer and start picking up early to mid-November and then end between February and start picking up once again in the beginning of spring.

“The hope is that if visitors come here and attend the event, they would recommend it to their friends or family members and that they come in the future, as an added value, just to attend the annual event. So that we get people coming in during the low peak season,” Tenorio said.

He said they intend to make this festival an annual event.

He noted that MVA is the “sole driver” of the event through part-funding it but they are also collaborating with PDM Promoters, Inc. and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Council for Arts and Culture.

“I encourage the community to come out and enjoy the event. This is very important that the community involves itself and support MVA on this event so that visitors can interact with the community as well,” he said.