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Int’l Festival of Cultures to feature 18 cultures
Representatives of 18 cultures are confirmed to join the Marianas Visitors Authority’s inaugural International Festival of Cultures on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Organized in conjunction with the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture and PDM Promoters, the festival will be staged for four consecutive Saturdays at the Paseo de Marianas pedestrian mall in Garapan.
Confirmed cultural participants will represent Chamorros and Carolinians of the Northern Mariana Islands, Kosrae, Palau, Chuuk, Japan, Bangladesh, Korea, China, the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, Marquesas, and Cook Islands.
“We’re encouraged by the strong show of support for our local groups,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “The International Festival of Cultures is going to be a great way for visitors and residents to experience the rich cultural diversity of our island population. The stage performances will change every 15 minutes, so there will an excellent opportunity to enjoy entertainment from a wide variety of cultures.”
Slated for Sept. 13, 20, and 27 and Oct. 4, 2014, on each night various cultural groups from the Pacific and Asia will showcase their heritage through performing arts, cuisine, and arts and crafts. Demonstration booths will feature basket weaving, mwar-making (floral head lei), storyboard carving, origami paper folding, and more.
In addition, a parade of cultures will be held on Oct. 4 at 5:30pm in Garapan from the Carolinian Affairs Office north along Beach Road to American Memorial Park, ending at Coral Tree Ave.
Booths will open at 5pm. Performances begin at 6pm and the event will run until 11pm. Admission is free and open to the public. (MVA)
