Tinian to celebrate 56th year of San Jose Fiesta

Residents of the largest village on Tinian will pay tribute to their patron saint when they celebrate the 2012 San Jose Fiesta from May 4 to 6. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the event honoring San Jose the Worker.

The festivities will kick off with the coronation of the Fiesta Royal Court at 7pm on May 4 at the Kammer Beach Pavilion where booths selling food, drinks, and handicrafts will be set up for festival goers.

The next day, May 5, is “a day of fun and games,” highlighted by the 65K Fiesta Bike Race, which begins at 5:30am from the Suicide Cliff.

To win the $200 first prize, Saipan bike riders will have to beat the records set by the Bikers Association of Tinian during the Taxathon Race: Fernando Cacabelot, who clocked in at 4:09:13, bagged the first prize in the male category while Rosalina Lazaro was the first female to finish at 5:23:30.

Additionally, there will be a $100 prize each for the eldest and youngest bikers to finish. Interested bikers from Saipan can join the race by taking the Super Emerald, which leaves Saipan from Charlie Dock on Friday at 1pm and will arrive on Tinian at 3pm. Super Emerald can also serve Tinian residents who want to do their shopping errands since the vessel is scheduled to sail back to the Saipan at 4pm.

On Saturday and Sunday, Super Emerald will leave for Tinian at 9am and return at 4pm, giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the fiesta. Round-trip ticket is “a good deal” at $40 per person and inclusive of cargo.

A special 200-meter “Kiddie Race” sponsored by Lollipops of Saipan will also be held at 2pm starting at Taga House.

Other events scheduled for Saturday include the adult coconut husking and grinding contest at 11am, dragon boat races at noon, and greased pig chase at 3pm.

Live entertainment will also be provided at the fiesta grounds. Performing this year are the Taga Cultural Dancers, Tinian Elementary School Dancers, Compadres Band from Guam, Island Kai from Guam, Kiridos Tinian, Islands Boys from Tinian, Frank Dela Cruz, Steve Mendiola, Jr., and Jay Q. Dela Cruz.

Beach volleyball games will be also be held from morning until evening.

The annual San Jose novena will be offered on Sunday at 7:30am followed by a procession at 9am and brunch at 10am.

The San Jose Fiesta Raffle Drawing will take place in the afternoon at 3pm. Exciting prizes await the raffle winners. These include a bush cutter, 32” flat screen television, adult bicycle, chain saw, push mower, hedge trimmer, microwave, wheelbarrow, 32-quart ice chest, 5-gallon water jug, baby grand prize of $500, and the grand prize of $1,000.