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Christmas in the Marianas returns in December
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Posted on Oct 22 2018
File photo shows students displaying their Christmas costume made from recyclable and natural material during the Marianas Visitors Authority’s Christmas in the Marianas at Paseo de Marianas on Dec. 17, 2016. (MVA)
The Marianas Visitors Authority, PDM Promoters, Inc., Team PDI, and other travel partners will bring back Christmas in the Marianas December at Paseo de Marianas in downtown Garapan.
The weekly celebration offers holiday entertainment for visitors and residents, alike, from 5pm to 9pm each night. Christmas in the Marianas is scheduled for the first four Saturdays of the month, with a Mochitsuki-themed fifth Saturday tentatively scheduled for Dec. 29., marking the pounding of rice to make “mochi,” a traditional event in preparation for the new year.
“We are already receiving enthusiastic support from island schools, and we are looking forward to another great Christmas in the Marianas this year,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “Christmas in the Marianas is a classic mix of everything that makes the holidays special, embracing our islands’ broad cultural diversity and highlighting the best of our unique island traditions. We invite everyone to come and enjoy an island Christmas with us in December.”
The annual schoolwide Christmas Tree Decoration Competition will be held on Dec. 1 and a Christmas caroling competition for elementary school students. The school trees, decorated with recyclable material, will remain on display at the pedestrian mall in Saipan’s main tourist district throughout the month. In addition, this year high school students will create a mini- Christmas village.
On Dec. 8, middle and high school students will continue with the Christmas Caroling Competition. On Dec. 15, the Christmas Parade of Floats will be held around sunset in Garapan along Beach Road to American Memorial Park, followed by a costume show. Dec. 22 will feature another evening of holiday fun. Awards for all competitions will also be made.
Participating schools include Garapan Elementary, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary, Kagman Elementary, Koblerville Elementary, Oleai Elementary, San Vicente Elementary, William S. Reyes Elementary, Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Dandan Middle School, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Hopwood Junior High, Tanapag Middle School, Marianas High, Saipan Southern High, Kagman High, Agape Christian School, Grace Christian Academy. Mount Carmel School, Saipan Community School, and Green Meadow School.
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or 1 (670) 664-3210 or visit The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com. (MVA)
