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International Festival of Cultures makes its debut
The inaugural International Festival of Cultures organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority kicked off to a solid start on Saturday, Sept. 13.
With 19 cultures represented, the festival offered live performances, international cuisine, arts and crafts, and cultural demonstrations to an enthusiastic crowd from 5pm to 11pm.
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- Chamorro dancers perform at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
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- Representatives of the Kosrae community sing at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
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- Fresh coconuts were served at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
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- Audience members join Carolinian dancers onstage at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
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- Lawrence Deleon Guerrero serves up traditional Hawaiian food at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
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- Representatives of Yap shared their traditional attire and skills at the International Festival of Cultures on Sept. 13, 2014, on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. (MVA)
“The first night of the International Festival of Cultures was a good start, thanks to the solid crowd of first-time attendees who came out and the cooperation of Mother Nature,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “All the seats were filled at the stage, and participants had the opportunity to join some dances on stage, as well. Although similar to the Garapan Street Market and the Flame Tree Arts Festival, the International Festival of Cultures is unique in its full emphasis on culture. We encourage attendees to visit all the booths starting at Beach Road down Paseo to Coral Tree Avenue and take full advantage of this opportunity to learn about and enjoy the many cultures represented in our island home. Come out in your cultural attire this Saturday!”
Organized in conjunction with the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture and PDM Promoters, the festival will be staged for three additional Saturdays at Paseo de Marianas pedestrian mall in Garapan.
The hourly entertainment lineup this Saturday will be Japan, Korea, and Bangladesh beginning at 6pm; Philippines, China, and Palau beginning at 7pm; Tahiti, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji beginning at 8:05pm; New Zealand and Chuuk beginning at 9:15pm; Kosrae and Northern Marianas Chamorro and Carolinian beginning at 9:55pm.
Each night various cultural groups from the Pacific and Asia will showcase their heritage through performing arts, cuisine, and arts and crafts. Demonstration booths will include coconut-rope making, Chinese calligraphy, basket weaving, mwar-making (floral head lei), storyboard carving, origami paper folding, and more.
In addition, a parade of cultures will be held on Oct. 4 at 5:30pm in Garapan from the Carolinian Affairs Office north along Beach Road to American Memorial Park, ending at Coral Tree Avenue.
Booths open at 5pm. Performances begin at 6pm and the event will run until 11pm. Admission is free and open to the public. (MVA)
