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Christmas in the Marianas lights up Paseo
Dozens of schools lighted up the Paseo de Marianas with numerous Christmas trees on Saturday, kicking off the annual Christmas in the Marianas celebration and bringing the holiday spirit to the tourist district area in Garapan.
Hundreds of community members and tourists were cloaked in the presence of the holiday season, with carolers, singers, dancers, and other performers taking center stage and leading up to the highlight of Saturday’s event, the annual Christmas tree decoration contest.
A countdown was set for the lighting of the Christmas trees and at exactly 6:15pm all the Christmas trees were lighted up.
The Saipan Awaodori Team provided the first entertainment number of the night, followed by various numbers from school representatives.
Food vendors were also available at the event.
PDI’s Gordon Marciano said the event is a means for the Commonwealth to welcome all tourists to the islands during the holiday season and to celebrate the season’s spirit with them.
Marianas Visitors Authority’s community projects assistant Ryan Calvo said they prepared for the event for more than a month and talked to all the schools that wanted to participate.
“We are getting more and more participants and now this year we have more floats for the parade,” Calvo said.
MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said Saturday’s kickoff was a wonderful start to the Christmas season.
“With the streets lighted up, children are excited and the Christmas trees are beautiful. We wish everybody luck and hope they enjoy the event,” he said.
The Christmas in the Marianas event will be hosted every Saturday for the month of December with different contests, entertainment, and food.
On Dec. 13, there will be a Christmas caroling contest. On Dec. 20 there will be a Marianas Walkers Association 5-kilometer Christmas Health Walk, Christmas Costume Show, a Christmas parade from the Carolinian Village to Paseo with a float contest, and stage entertainment from 6pm to 9pm. On Dec. 27 there will be a Mochitsuki Exhibition.
