Hot Pepper Festival to take place at fiesta grounds

The venue for the 16th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on Feb. 15-16, 2020, has been confirmed for the fiesta grounds in San Jose village.

Event organizer Marianas Visitors Authority and co-sponsor Tinian Mayor’s Office have agreed to have the festival at the same location as last year’s due to the convenience and amenities of the site.

“There are a couple of great locations where we have held the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in the past,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “This year we’re bringing the event back to last year’s venue at the fiesta grounds in San Jose, which has booths, picnic pavilions, and, of course, the breathtaking Kammer Beach. It’s also right next door to the House of Taga, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the Marianas.”

The festival, affectionately knowns as “Pika Fest” among locals (pika means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous donne sali hot pepper. Activities will include dances, bands, and other live entertainment; cooking competitions, indigenous craft sales; and more. Festivalgoers will have the chance to purchase a variety of local dishes, join the umang (hermit crab) races, participate in sports activities, and join the hot pepper eating competition itself. In addition, the 65K Pika Bike Race on Feb. 15 will begin at 6am.

Details on a ferry schedule between Saipan and Tinian will be announced once confirmed. Air service between Saipan and Tinian is provided by Star Marianas and takes 15 minutes. Airport shuttle will be offered by the MVA to and from the festival site.

Accommodations are available at Tinian Ocean View, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Tinian Street Motel, Fleming Hotel, Green Lion House Hotel, and the Marpo Valley Inn. Free camping is available at Kammer Beach, Taga Beach (toilets, barbecue pits, and outdoor showers available) and at the adjacent Tachogna Beach (toilets, barbecue pits, and indoor showers available).

“Tinian is a very comfortable place for camping, and we invite visitors to make a weekend of it at one of our local beaches,” said MVA Tinian field operations supervisor Vida Borja “Pika Fest is a great opportunity for schools and other groups to take a short but memorable camping trip, and we look forward to welcoming all our visitors to the beautiful island of Tinian.” (PR)