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Flame Tree festival draws crowd
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Posted on Apr 22 2002
The 21st Annual Flame Tree Festival, which began Friday, gathered hundreds of visitors this year and over 120 vendors of arts and culture at the American Memorial Park.
The three-day festival saw the unending support of the community, who all trooped to the park to witness the weekend festival of fun and entertainment provided by different ethnic groups in the CNMI.
Delegates from Palau, Tinian, Guam, Marshall Islands, Rota, among others, showcased ethnic and cultural presentations, including display of art works and crafts. The festival also saw the attendance of the navigators and crew of the Hokulea and Makali’i sailing vessels. The ceremony began with special activities for the Saipan canoe voyagers Saturday morning.
The 21st anniversary of the Flame Tree Arts Festival convened craft and art creators in a single venue that plays an important role in the CNMI, Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture Executive Director Robert H. Hunter said.
“Since our earliest existence, the arts have played important roles in our lives. The festival has thrived and grown because of the spirit and strength of the community and it continues to highlight what is best about the CNMI people,” said Hunter.
The 21st Flame Tree Festival was also dedicated to the artists, musicians and advocates who played a significant role in ensuring that the cultural and artistic heritage of the Commonwealth are strengthened and perpetuated. The festival was especially dedicated to Mariko Rasiang, Steve Satur, and Manuel and Blandina Dela Cruz.
The Flame Tree Arts Festival has grown to become the largest annual arts and cultural event in the Micronesian region and has continued to promote diverse cultures and showcase the beauty of the Northern Marianas and its neighbors.
The weekend festivities also featured over 60 different performing groups that ranged from bands to traditional, chanting and modern dancers. The festival also showcased storyboard carvings to photography to paintings and beadwork, and other local arts.
