Bisita Luta: Fiesta, fishing, and more on Oct. 5-8

The unspoiled beauty of Rota awaits visitors at the island’s the Coconut Festival on Sept. 11-16, Bisita Luta on Oct. 5-8, and the 23rd Annual Rota Blue Triathlon on Nov. 18, 2017. (MVA)

Rota is gearing up to welcome visitors for four days of festivities during “Bisita Luta” on Oct. 5-8, 2017.

Bisita Luta, which literally mean “visit Rota,” will feature a fiesta, a fishing derby, and more on the island renowned among the Marianas for its untouched natural beauty and warm island hospitality.

“Bisita Luta is a series of events that welcome and invite our neighboring island residents and tourists to visit Rota to experience our hospitality, view our unique and cultural sites, as well as taste the local delicacies,” said Rota Mayor Efraim M. Atalig. “Rota is well known for its aluf (hand-waving) and friendliness, and we would love to showcase our cultural traditions and customs to our visitors.”

Most festivities will take place at the Chamorro Village Park in Songsong. On Oct. 5, Thursday, there will be a Night Market and Street Dance Competition at 6pm, and Rota Wildlife Showcase beginning at 7pm. Fisherman participating in the next day’s Bud Light Fishing Derby will have an orientation at West Harbor Park at 5pm.

The Bud Light Fishing Derby will kick off the following day, Oct. 6. The Night Market will feature the Binadu Festival. The binadu (Philippine deer) roams wild on Rota and is a local delicacy.

A concert is also set for that evening at the Rota Chamorro Village Park.

In honor of Songsong’s patron saint, the San Francisco de Borja Fiesta Mass will be held on Oct. 7, Saturday, at the San Francisco de Borja Parish at 3:30pm, followed by dinner and entertainment. The Bud Light Fishing Derby will continue that day, with awards presented at the fiesta grounds.

Oct. 8, Sunday, will be celebrated as Family Day beginning at 1pm. A raffle drawing will also be held later that evening.

“The San Francisco de Borja Fiesta has always been a strong attraction for Rota and one of its peak period for visits, and the Bisita Luta event just adds more reasons to visit this beautiful island,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “The MVA is pleased to again be partnering with Mayor Atalig in making this event possible.”

The weekend event is organized by the Rota Mayor’s Office with support from Rota Municipal Council, Rota Legislative Delegation, MVA, and all the Rota governmental departments in partnership with the San Francisco de Borja Fiesta chairman and parish council.

For more information, contact special assistant for Programs and Grants Aubry Hocog of the Rota Mayor’s Office at 532-9451 or aubryhocog@gmail.com or Sandra Atalig of the MVA at 532-0327 or satalig@mymarianas.com. (MVA)