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#MarianasSTRONG yearend event on Dec. 29
The Marianas Visitors Authority’s Christmas sculpture display opened at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan on Nov. 25, 2018. (MVA)
In lieu of its annual Christmas in the Marianas event, the Marianas Visitors Authority and its tourism partners will celebrate the #Marianas STRONG Yearend Celebration on Dec. 29 at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan.
The event will mark the resiliency and recovery of the Marianas following Super Typhoon Yutu in October 2018.
The annual Mochitsuki Festival, featuring the Japanese traditional pounding of rice in preparation for the new year, will highlight the event. Other festivities from 5pm to 1pm will include live entertainment, food sales, games, and more.
“We are extremely grateful to our partners at PDM Promoters, Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Japanese Northern Marianas Descent Association for again dedicating their time and resources to organize this year’s Mochitsuki Festival on the final Saturday in December,” said MVA managing director Christopher. A. Concepcion. “We have all faced many challenges in recovering from Yutu, but through it all, our community has exemplified the giving and the hope that Christmas and the New Year is all about. We warmly invite the community to celebrate our #MarianasSTRONG spirit and the holidays with us on Dec. 29.”
Activities will include food and drink sales and free mochi-tasting, a free bounce house for children, one free round of yoyo play, and one free Saipan-da pencil, while supplies last. Donations will be accepted to aid in continuing recovery efforts. #MarianasSTRONG T-shirts will be given away for each donation of $15 or more, while supplies last. All proceeds will go to Karidat Social Services.
The MVA also invites the public to visit their Christmas sculpture display at Paseo de Marianas, featuring several giant-sized light sculptures ideal for picture taking.
For more information, visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or contact the MVA Community Projects Divisions at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or call 664-3210. (MVA)
