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Cultural groups still being sought for International Festival of Cultures
The Marianas Visitors Authority is still seeking representative groups of different cultures to participate in the planning for the 2nd Annual International Festival of Cultures.
MVA is kicking its preparations for the event into high gear with the tourism body’s newest signature event set to be held for six consecutive Saturday evenings on Saipan beginning on Aug. 22.
The festival will be held Aug. 22 and 29 and Sept. 5, 12, 19, and 26 at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan. It intends to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Northern Mariana Islands, with special emphasis on the indigenous cultures of Micronesia.
So far there are a total of 11 groups that will be represented in the International Festival of Cultures: the CNMI, Marshall Islands, Korea, Japan, China, Hawaii; Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa as one group; Tahiti, Marquesas, and Cook Island as another group; the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Palau.
“It was a big success last year and we have already been in meetings for preparation and still looking for more cultural groups. The goal of the International Festival of Cultures is to showcase the unique and diverse cultures of the CNMI for both visitors and the local community alike,” MVA community projects manager Martin Duenas said.
The 2015 edition of the International Festival of Cultures will be held at the Paseo de Marianas and cultural groups have the option to showcase food, arts and crafts, demonstrations on making their cultural items, and performances.
The festival will include food sales beginning at 5pm and live cultural entertainment from 6pm to 11pm. Admission is free.
Representative groups may contact MVA community projects specialist Ryan Calvo at rcalvo@mymarianas.com or 664-3210 for more information.
