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Tinian prepares for its annual hot pepper fest
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Posted on Jan 15 2009
Things are heating up in the Northern Mariana Islands, and it’s more than just the year-round tropical climate.
The island community of Tinian is busy planning for February’s annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in honor of donni sali, a small but potent hot pepper that is indigenous to the island and packs a punch on the Scoville scale.
With the theme “Pika! Pika! Pika!” (or “Hot! Hot! Hot!” in indigenous Chamorro), the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be celebrated the weekend of Feb. 14-15, 2009, at Tachogna Beach.
Activities include cooking competitions, indigenous craft sales, and live entertainment including cultural dances and Hapi the clown. Sample a variety of local foods. Catch the umang (hermit crab) races. Make new friends by joining numerous sports activities, including beach volleyball and dragon boat races. The highlight of the festival will separate the meek from the mighty during the donni sali eating competition, itself.
“The gem of Tinian island, just like donne sali, is unique in the world,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio. “Both the island and the hot pepper it’s known for leave a lasting impression!”
Tinian is a historical treasure to be discovered, from ancient Chamorro limestone pillars called Taga stones (within walking distance of the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival), to relics from the Japanese era of administration of the islands, to WWII ruins.
Tinian is accessible within minutes of the main island of Saipan via airplane or ferry, or via connecting flights from Rota and Guam.
For more information, contact the MVA Tinian office at 1.670.433.9365 or e-mail at vborja@mymarianas.com. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
