Flame Tree Arts Festival returns

Tyler Warwick is seen carving a “fishing club” last Sunday during the last day of the 41st Flame Tree Arts Festival at the Sugar King Park and NMI Museum grounds. (Leigh Gases)

The 41st Flame Tree Arts Festival’s opening ceremony last Friday was also an emotional one, not only because it saw the festival’s resumption after two years of being dormant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was also an occasion when many of the CNMI’s artists who have passed away in those two years were remembered.

The fallen artists—Jose Tilipao Limes, David Anthony S. Hosono, Lana Lynn Fitial, Felix Fitial, Raymond N. Fitial, and Fautisto G. Tebuteb—and their families were recognized at the opening ceremony, with promises to keep their memories and legacies alive.

This three-day festival—held Friday to Sunday—was notable for being held for the first time at the Sugar King Park and the adjoining CNMI Museum grounds in Garapan—a departure from previous year’s festivals that were either held at the Civic Center in Susupe or the American Memorial Park. The new location meant that a section of Middle Road had to be closed to traffic. That was possibly what caused the opening ceremony to be delayed by more than 30 minutes due to the traffic jam in the area caused by those who did not know about the road’s closure.

The event saw more than a thousand people from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota gather together in celebration of the arts, live performances, and food. There was also a sizeable delegation from Rota. 

“I’m happy it’s back because I get to enjoy the weekend with my family and friends and just enjoy the food and entertainment. It’s nice we get to do stuff like this again after more than two years of nothing because of COVID,” said one person interviewed at the festival.

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero said the festival’s theme—“Healing Through Arts”—was also fitting, given what the CNMI community has gone through these past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our islands were at a standstill, as we stayed home, refrained from social gatherings and did our best to comply with COVID guidelines to keep our community safe. But despite all that we have endured, we stayed Marianas strong and resilient as ever. And our theme, ‘Healing Through Arts,’ is part of the islands’ healing process,” he said.

Deleon Guerrero said that, by just coming together as a community once again, to celebrate and enjoy the arts, the food, and each other’s company is healing for the body, mind and soul. “We are back and we will continue our tradition of celebrating our annual festival in honor of our artists and our community,” he added.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres thanked the Flame Tree Festival committee and Parker Yobei, executive director of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, along with Jerry Tan of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for assisting with the holding of the festival. 

Danny Aquino, executive director of the NMI Museum said, “We always welcome outdoor activities at the NMI Museum of History and Culture because events increases our traffic and builds our capacity. I would like to thank Arts Council director Parker Yobei for letting the NMI Museum be a part of the event. Also thank you to the secretary of DCCA for continuing to support the museum and to Gov. Torres for recommending the closure of the road for the Flame Tree Arts Festival. This would ensure the safety of the public navigating between Sugar King Park and the NMI Museum.”