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MVA: International Festival of Cultures a success
The Marianas Visitors Authority has declared its newest annual signature event, the International Festival of Cultures, a resounding success after four consecutive weekends of festivities at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, Saipan.
With 19 cultures represented, the festival offered live performances, international cuisine, arts and crafts, and cultural demonstrations from 5pm to 11pm. The festival was organized in conjunction with the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture and PDM Promoters.
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- The Bangladesh community participates in the Parade of Cultures on Dec. 4, 2014, in conjunction with the International Festival of Cultures on Saipan.
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- A representative of the Polynesian community dons traditional attire for the Parade of Cultures on Dec. 4, 2014, in conjunction with the International Festival of Cultures on Saipan.
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- The communities of Samoa, American Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga participate in the Parade of Cultures on Dec. 4, 2014, in conjunction with the International Festival of Cultures on Saipan.
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- The Mariana Islands Chamorro and Carolinian communities lead the Parade of Cultures on Dec. 4, 2014, in conjunction with the International Festival of Cultures on Saipan.
“By all accounts, the International Festival of Cultures was a resounding success,” said MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas. “The culture groups represented in the organizing committee really put their hearts into making this first festival a success, and our visitors and the local community were all able to greatly enjoy their efforts. Every week there were recommendations from the committee on how to improve the event. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Participating cultural communities were Japan, Mariana Islands (Chamorro and Carolinian) Kosrae, Palau, Chuuk, China, Bangladesh, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, Hawaii, Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. A Parade of Culture was also held on the final Saturday.
“As long as we can continue to work with our cultural communities, we look forward to holding the International Festival of Cultures again next year,” said Duenas.
Nightly photos from the event are posted on the MVA Facebook page: My Marianas (Marianas Visitors Authority). (MVA)
