GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Friday lit the giant Christmas tree, marking the beginning of the Christmas season in the CNMI as a crowd of Saipan residents—many donning Santa hats—cheered and soaked in the yuletide joy at Christmas Village in Susupe.
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, and other NMI officials joined the governor for the ceremonial lighting of Saipan’s holiday icon at 5:30 p.m., followed by local entertainment and Yuletide carols.
This year’s Christmas Village at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-purpose Center in Susupe was illuminated by thousands of LED lights wrapped around a 20-foot Christmas tree, with additional lights adorning various porch decorations that drew hundreds of residents.
Almost the entire ground surrounding the multi-purpose center is now filled with Christmas decorations designed by staff from various government agencies and members of the private sector. Food vendors are open every weekend for Christmas revelers.
Inside the multi-purpose center, visitors will find various art exhibits and other Christmas attractions.
In his remarks, the governor said Christmas is about family, the joy of giving, and welcoming Savior Jesus Christ. It is a tradition that “our parents and grand-, and great-grandparents taught us.”
“As we celebrate Christmas and enjoy this Christmas Village, please remember that this is ours. Please take care of it and discourage anyone you see trying to damage anything,” the governor urged.
He also asked everyone to remember the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, who lit last year’s Christmas tree, and the late former Speaker Oscar M. Babauta, who also attended.
Mayor Camacho, in an interview, wished the entire Saipan community a blessed Merry Christmas. He said kindness is the greatest gift, and “I love to see it.” He hopes everyone in the community will remind themselves of the spirit of caring, understanding, trust, and respect for one another.
Special Assistant for Military Affairs Edward Camacho also wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
