Previous Story
International Festival of Cultures off to a slow start
-
- Community members look on the Yapese, Chuuk tent on beaded necklace displays.
-
- A little girl takes her picture between two “pandas”, an indigenous species of China.
-
- Children enjoy a Japanese game to win prizes. Similar to horseshoe tossing, rings have to be thrown into the poles to receive points.
-
- Under the Yap tent, a handmade canoe replica attracts viewers to check out the craftsmanship.
-
- Customers check out the display at the tent of the Marshall Islands.
-
- Bangladesh nationals show off their traditional clothing for women and the new generation of clothing for young boys.
-
- “The Pearl of Pacific” including Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa take a group photo near the display of their traditional clothing called tapa.
-
- Tahitian women show their musical instruments, ukulele, and costumes for dancing.
The sparse crowd, however, did not stop the diverse cultures of the islands from promoting their heritage, customs, and traditions.
Despite the low turnout during the event that slowly picked up after 9pm, the festival’s participants presented their cultures with much enthusiasm to community members and visitors.
Cultures presented during the festival included the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinians, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Cook Islands, Marques, Yap, Marshall Islands, Chuuk, China, Korea, Hawaii, and Japan.
Cultures that presented and showcased their food included the Philippines, Bangladesh, Hawaii, the CNMI, Korea, China, and Japan, while the rest showcased their arts and crafts.
The Pearl of the Pacific (Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa) group showcased their home islands’ tapa, woven clothing from a special pandanus plant that is used in every occasion on the islands.
Tongans, Fijians, and Samoans said that the tapa is everything to their culture and is a very important part of their culture.
Tahitians showcased costumes and instruments, including the ukulele. According to the Tahiti representatives, music and dance is an important part of their culture.
Bangladesh showcased their clothing, traditional wear, and food. China showcased the importance of their calligraphy, while the booths of the Philippines, the CNMI, and Korea showcased their food that attracted many of the visitors.
Yap and Marshall Islands showcased their intricate handiwork in crafting baskets, earrings, necklaces, model canoes, and other jewelry. Japan had a food, souvenir, and game booth.
Performances from different cultures entertained visitors and community members throughout the event, which is held every Saturdays until 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.
Food booths open at 5pm and performances start at 6pm and end at 11pm.
