Magical display at the ‘Christmas Village’

Structures began to form as Imperial Pacific International, Ltd.’s Corporate Social Responsibility team prepares for the Nov. 27 unveiling of the “Christmas Village,” a primary undertaking headed by the First Lady Diann Torres Foundation. (IPI-CSR PHOTO)

An extraordinary seasonal attraction in time to ring in the Christmas holiday is in the works for the First Lady Diann Torres Foundation and its partners. For the very first time, a “Christmas Village” will rise next to the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center and spread holiday cheer in the CNMI. 

The “Christmas Village” will open on Nov. 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and will run through Jan. 8. There will be a cluster of miniature houses and barns and buildings bedecked in lights and festive Christmas decor. 

“Initially, former first lady [Josie Fitial] had the traditional tree lighting that we enjoyed from year to year,” said first lady Diann Tudela Torres. “We attended it last year and it was the signature event during Christmas season that was initiated by first lady Josie. This time, being my first year as first lady, I wanted to kick it up a notch. We have gone through a devastation and we want to lift up the spirits of everybody; the economy is getting better. …Since the holiday season is really short, we want to take advantage of that and lift everyone’s spirits at least within that short period of time. Several ideas have been thrown in but the Christmas Village stood out the most.”

The First Lady Diann Torres Foundation initially partnered with Imperial Pacific International, Ltd. and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library for the project.

“We decided to branch out and get a few other partners to help us with logistics and invited the Governor’s Office to be part of this. We want to have something for everybody, the entire community and even our tourists, a place to come and relax and enjoy the lights,” said Torres.

Imperial Pacific Corporate Social Responsibility executive director Geri Dela Cruz acknowledged that this undertaking has created a unique partnership.

“BSI-CSR is extremely excited about the upcoming Christmas Village. Many different agencies have partnered with our first lady Diann Torres. It’s a wonderful idea to create a hub in which the local community and visitors can go and enjoy the spirit of the holidays,” Dela Cruz said.

“BSI-CSR is not only involved in the logistics of this undertaking, but we will be participating and creating our own display as well,” she added.

The Department of Public Safety will be in charge of turning the lights on and off daily and for security.

Torres said that they plan to hold events in the weekends and even a few throughout the week, including performances.

“We will invite someone to sing, a Christmas carol group, a dance, just something really small and cozy. We will have a couple of vendors of simple finger foods, like ice cream, snow cones, maybe barbecue sticks but no sit-down dinner, just food on the go. This is an event where the community can come and take pictures, bring the kids and the whole family, and just enjoy.”