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MVA prepares for Int’l Festival of Cultures
»Newest signature event held for 6 Saturdays
The Marianas Visitors Authority is kicking its preparations for the 2nd Annual International Festival of Cultures in high gear with the tourism body’s newest signature event set to start on Aug. 22.
Similar to the Taste of the Marianas, the International Festival of Cultures will run the last two Saturdays of August and all the Saturdays of September, according to MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas.
MVA community projects assistant Ryan Calvo said that the reason for running the event earlier than schedule is to promote the CNMI to the Japan market during the country’s Obon Period, which usually is low peak season.
“It’s running for six Saturdays now, which us different from last year to promote the islands in Japan. We are working with stakeholders in the Japan market that includes tourist from Japan booking in to stay here to have coupons so when they arrive they can visit our booth during the event,” Calvo said.
The goal of the International Festival of Cultures is to showcase the unique and diverse cultures of the CNMI for both visitors and the local community alike.
“It was a big success last year and we have already been in meetings for preparation and still looking for more cultural groups,” Duenas said.
So far there are a total of 11 groups that will be represented in the International Festival of Cultures—the CNMI; Marshall Islands; Korea; Japan; China; Hawaii; Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa as one group; Tahiti, Marquesas, and Cook Island as another group; the Philippines; Bangladesh; and Palau.
The local Palau community hasn’t confirmed whether they will join this year’s event.
“So we’re still looking for more cultural groups and anyone interested can reach us at our office,” Calvo said.
The 2015 edition of the International Festival of Cultures will be held at the Paseo de Marianas and cultural groups have the option to showcase food, arts and crafts, demonstrations on making their cultural items, and performances.
Duenas said the date for the parade of cultures, one of the highlights of the event, hasn’t been set yet.
