Tinian fiesta celebration today until Sunday

The Tinian San Jose Fiesta will kick off today, May 2, and will last until May 5, in celebration of Tinian’s patron saint, San Jose the Worker.

This year’s fiesta theme is, “Rebuilding, Reviving, Restoring San Jose!” and the annual community celebration will again include live entertainment, food sales, arts and crafts, and much more.

Festivities will have a soft opening today, May 2, with live entertainment from 6pm to 11pm at the fiesta grounds next to Kammer Beach.

The official opening ceremony will be held tomorrow, May 3, at 7pm, with live entertainment until midnight. Live entertainment and a variety of sports and activities will be held on May 4 from 10am to midnight and on May 5 from 8am to 12pm.

There will be performances ranging from solo/group singing, dancing, and on-stage exhibitions. The John Dank Show from Guam is set to wow the crowd, along with Uprooted CNMI, the Marianas Project, and other performers. James Selepeo will close out each night.

Local talent will be featured during the soft opening with an Open Mic Night. Smarty Swag and Soul Sisters and magician Neil Fama will also take the stage.

Visitors can sample a taste of Tinian at 18 concession booths that will offer a wide variety of local dishes, chasers, and cold drinks. Local artists will have crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. Youngsters will be able to enjoy the Kiddie Korner with kid-friendly games.

The Tinian Mayor’s Office has spearheaded the organization of the fiesta, led by event coordinator and fiesta committee chair Joseph M. Hocog.

“This fiesta marks the 63rd anniversary of this special community celebration,” said Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan. “This year’s celebration will [emphasize] the importance of community, resilience and vigilance that we, the people of Tinian, have proven to be. We…invite all our neighboring islands to come and enjoy a weekend of fun, live music, and celebration.”

Many activities will be held throughout the four days. In the Fiesta Cookoff, Tinian’s chefs will compete to cook the best fiesta plate. The popular tug-o-war will showcase Tinian’s strongest. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the annual ChaCha Dance Competition, where Selepeo will again perform.

The 2019 Tinian San Jose Fiesta is sponsored by IT&E, Marianas Visitors Authority, Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Bridge Investment Group, LLC., and MarPac.

“Each year, the MVA supports the activities coinciding with Tinian San Jose Fiesta, as this is one of the largest tourism events on island each year,” said acting MVA managing director Judy Torres. “This is an excellent opportunity to show our support for Tinian by making a daytrip or weekend trip for a taste of real island living and this week’s festivities.”

On May 5, 2018, church festivities will begin with Mass at 8am at the Tinian Parish followed by a procession around San Jose. Following the procession, brunch will be hosted by the San Jose Parish Council on the church grounds.

Star Marianas Air, Inc. will provide extended flights on Friday through Sunday. The last flight from Saipan to Tinian will be at 9pm, and the last flight leaving Tinian to Saipan will be at 9:30pm. The Super Emerald ferry will depart Charles Dock in Saipan on Friday, May 3, at 9am and return the same day at 9pm. For more information on the ferry or a full schedule of events, contact the Tinian Mayor’s Office at 433-1800/2.

Available hotel rooms on Tinian are Oceanview Hotel, Fleming’s Hotel, LoriLynn’s Hotel, Lion Garden, and Main Street Motel. Campers may use Tachogna Beach or Kammer Beach (the latter provides restrooms, outdoor showers, and barbecue pits for cooking). Car rentals are available at Avis, Islander, or Tinian Good Tour. (PR)