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Christmas in the Marianas throughout December
Carolers take to the stage at Christmas in the Marianas in Saipan on Dec. 23, 2015. The annual holiday celebration will return to downtown Garapan on Dec. 3, 10, 17, 23, and 30, 2016, from 5pm to 10pm. (MVA)
The Marianas Visitors Authority, PDM Promoters, Inc., Team PDI, and other travel partners will celebrate “Christmas in the Marianas” throughout December, offering weekly holiday entertainment for visitors and residents, alike.
This year, the event will be held on the first three Saturdays of the month and then the last two Fridays.
“The final Saturdays in December are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so Christmas in the Marianas will be held on Friday on those two weeks instead,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “We are looking forward to again working closely with PDM Promoters and Team PDI to bring a joyful celebration to our visitors and the community on the first three Saturdays of the month, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, and the last two Fridays, Dec. 23 and 30. We invite everyone to come down and celebrate the holidays with us from 5pm to 10pm each of these evenings.”
The celebration will kick off on Dec. 3 with the annual schoolwide Christmas Tree Decoration Competition at Paseo de Marianas in downtown Garapan. The trees, decorated with recyclable material, will remain on display at the pedestrian mall in the tourist district throughout the month. Also, elementary and middle school students will sing their hearts out at the annual Christmas caroling competition.
On Dec. 10, high schools will compete in the skit competition.
On Dec. 17, the Parade of Floats will be held around sunset from the Carolinian Affairs Office in Garapan along Beach Road to American Memorial Park, followed by a costume show.
Dec. 23 and 30 are open for those who would like to perform at Paseo de Marianas. The Japanese Mochitsuki Festival will be held on Dec. 30, marking the pounding of rice to make mochi, a traditional event in preparation for the new year.
Participating schools are Oleai Elementary, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary, Kagman Elementary, San Vicente Elementary, Saipan Southern High, Marianas High, Kagman High, Tanapag Middle School, Dandan Middle School, Agape Christian School, Green Meadow School, Grace Christian Academy, Northern Marianas International School, and Mt. Carmel School.
For more information on the event, contact MVA Community Projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200/1. (MVA)
