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Christmas in the Marianas kicks off tomorrow, Dec. 3
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- Holiday messages from children of Rota and Tinian will greet revelers at the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Christmas in the Marianas at Paseo de Marianas on Dec. 3, 10, 17, 23, and 30, 2016. (Contributed Photo)
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- Christmas trees decorated by school children will be featured at Paseo de Marianas throughout the holiday season as part of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Christmas in the Marianas. The event will be held on Dec. 3, 10, 17, 23, and 30, 2016, and kicks off Dec. 3 with a Christmas tree lighting at 6pm. (Contributed Photo)
The Marianas Visitors Authority, PDM Promoters, Inc., Team PDI, and other travel partners kick off Christmas in the Marianas tomorrow evening, Dec. 3, at Paseo de Marianas in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
The monthlong celebration offers weekly holiday entertainment for visitors and residents, alike. This year, the event will be held on the first three Saturdays of the month and then the last two Fridays.
At the pedestrian mall, schools have already begun decorating their trees. The annual school-wide Christmas tree decoration competition official begins on Saturday at 6pm, along with the official lighting of the large Christmas tree. The school trees, decorated with recyclable material, will remain on display at the pedestrian mall throughout the month. Also, elementary school students will sing their hearts out at the annual Christmas caroling competition.
“Everyone is invited to our opening night on Saturday as we begin Christmas in the Marianas, highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas tree at Paseo de Marianas at 6pm,” said MVA Community Projects specialist Ryan Calvo. “And it’s really remarkable what the schools do with their Christmas tree decorations, so that’s something you don’t want to miss.”
On Dec. 10, middle school students will continue with the Christmas caroling competition, and high schools will compete in the skit competition. On Dec. 17, the Parade of Floats will be held around sunset from the Carolinian Affairs Office in Garapan along Beach Road to American Memorial Park, followed by a costume show. Awards for all competitions will also be made. The event will run from 6pm to 10pm for the first three Saturdays.
Dec. 23 and 30 will have live performances at Paseo de Marianas. The Japanese Mochitsuki Festival will be held on Dec. 30, marking the poundingof rice to make “mochi,”a traditional event in preparation for the new year. The event will run from 6pm to 9pm for the final two Fridays.
Participating schools are Oleai Elementary, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary, Kagman Elementary, San Vicente Elementary, Saipan Southern High, Marianas High, Kagman High, Tanapag Middle School, Dan Dan Middle School, Agape Christian School, Green Meadow School, Grace Christian Academy, Northern Marianas International School, and Mt. Carmel School.
For more information on the event, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or 670.664.3200/1.
