Thousands take part in 27th Annual Flame Tree Festival

Thousands of people flocked to the Civic Center the past four days to take part in one of the CNMI’s most celebrated cultural events—the 27th Annual Flame Tree Festival.

Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture executive director Cecilia T. Celis said what drew in the most of the crowd is the different kinds of cultures showcased at the event.

“We had all sorts of people. We even saw some new faces. I feel this year’s event was more successful than last year’s and it’s because it had a lot to do with the different kinds of cultures; it had nothing to do with the bad economy,” Celis said.

More than 30 artists and performers from Saipan and neighboring islands showcased their talents and skills.

Performers included the Inatuas Cultural Dancers, Lo’ngo’wo’fisch Dancers, the Palau kids, Uncle Ben’s Music and Dance Studio, Rota Skoobz, Taga Dancers, Kulon Natibu, Ace Elameto, Tinian Roots Crew, Tinian Taga Dancers, Saipan Youth Ukulele, Penina Ole Vasa, CNMI Inatuas, Flame Tree Angels, Fallun Dafa, Alana’ai Polynesian Music & Dance Production, Olomway Band, 3+1 Espeleta, Larry & Kaliko, and a whole heap of others.

Acting Gov. Tim P. Villagomez welcomed the visiting delegations, which included Rota, Tinian, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of Marshall Islands.

“You are the finadene—you are the soy sauce seasoning—that makes the Flame Tree Arts Festival just right every year,” Villagomez addressed the visiting delegations

He added, “This year, we are exceptionally proud to showcase some of the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian art forms and crafts through the Arts in Education workshops and the masterpiece canoe project. I congratulate the Arts Council and Festival Organizing Committee on bringing this traditional knowledge and art skill into a public arena here at the Flame Tree.”

Along with this year’s non-stop performances, the celebration included over 50 art booths and 20 food vendors. Another addition to this year’s festival was the Arts in Education Workshops on skills including traditional medicine making, Carolinian téér (woven skirts) making, pandanas weaving, da’ok oil extraction, mwar making, bead making, Chamorro galaide (canoe) model making, and more.

“It is these knowledge and skills that we must continue to embrace and preserve for our children, for tomorrow and for many generations to enjoy,” said Festival Committee chair Ramona T. Rebuenog.

Another highlight of this year’s celebration was the Parade of Cultures which drew 10 participants that included DanDan Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Filipino Community Organization, Eugenio Borja and Family, Chinese Association, Palauan Community Warrior Organization, Marianas High School Poksai Chamorro Club, Hopwood Junior High School My WAVE Club, and Kulon Natibu Guam.

Former Guam governor Joseph Franklin Ada also made his cameo at this year’s event. He said he was impressed with the CNMI’s hosting of cultural promotion and demonstrations.

The Flame Tree Arts Festival is Micronesia’s largest annual arts and culture celebration, featuring traditional and contemporary visual, performing and culinary arts from the region and beyond.

According to Celes, it serves as an opportunity for people to feature their culture. Celes said that even with the economic downturn, it’s really about culture and togetherness that will draw a huge crowd.

“I think that deep in the hearts of everybody, culture is very important. When it comes to culture, everybody’s on the same page,” Celes said.

She said that this year’s Flame Tree organizers would like to thank their major sponsors, “Without them, this year’s celebration would not have been successfully put together. We’d like to especially thank the huge crowd for coming down and supporting our vendors and visiting the booths.”

Villagomez said he and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial would like to extend their appreciation to all those who have come together to bring the community the 27th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.

“A special thanks to our private sector sponsors and volunteers for coming alongside and helping us make this year’s festival possible. A job well done to our government agencies. Despite the economic challenges we face, it is obvious that arts and culture are still in our hearts and are still a uniting force among not only the people of our island, but our brothers and sisters of Micronesia and beyond.

“I congratulate the Arts Council and Festival Organizing Committee on bringing this traditional knowledge and art skill into a public arena here at the Flame Tree. Let us all be proud of our inheritance, wherever we are from, and let us pass it to the next generation,” Villagomez added.