Brian Ayuyu of the Marianas Visitors Authority carefully counts out 100 “donni Sali” hot peppers for the Hot Pepper Eating Contest at the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in The Marianas in February 2024. The 21st Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be held Feb. 14-15, 2025, in San Jose, Tinian.
(MVA) — Heading to the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on Feb. 14 & 15, 2025, in The Marianas? Star Marianas Air is offering discounted tickets and an extra hour of evening flights on select days.
One-way flights between Saipan and Tinian on Feb. 15 & 16 only will be $55 for CNMI residents with valid photo I.D. Also, the airline will be extending their scheduled flights by one hour on Feb. 14, 15 & 16. The last flight from Saipan will be at 6 p.m. and the last flight from Tinian will be 6:30 p.m. Flights leave Saipan hourly starting at 7:30 a.m. and at the top of the hour thereafter. Flights leave Tinian at the bottom of the hour. Charter flights may also be arranged by contacting Star Marianas at (670) 433.9996/7/8 or smareservation2015@gmail.com/.
“Pika Fest — as we locals call it — is always a great time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the island vibe in Tinian,” said Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Thanks to the support of Star Marianas with their discounts and extended hours, we hope more people will have a chance to join us at the festival this year, even for a day trip.”
The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan and will be held at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian, adjacent to the picturesque Jones Beach and House of Taga, a U.S. National Historic Landmark featuring limestone monoliths carved by ancient Chamorros.
“Join us for the 21st Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival!” said Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan. “This much-anticipated event celebrates the vibrant culture and rich agricultural heritage of our island. It’s more than just a spicy treat…it is a showcase of Tinian’s community spirit and resilience. With a variety of activities including savoring our unique homegrown peppers, experiencing traditional music and dance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We warmly invite you to experience the hospitality and warmth that Tinian has to offer.”
On Feb. 14 the festival opens at 6:30 p.m. with an official ceremony. The entertainment lineup has been updated as follows: Tinian Cultural Dancers (7 p.m.), Jason Mauricio One-man Band (7:20 p.m.), Tinian Cultural Dancers (7:30 p.m.), Anti-tobacco Dancers (8 p.m.), Tinian Cultural Dancers (8:30 p.m.), Tinian Blackbird Band (9 p.m.), and JJ Aguon and Joe Guam (9:30 p.m.). On Feb. 15, entertainment and games will be held include: Pika Run 5K (6:30 a.m.), Katdun Pika Cooking Contest (2 p.m.), Cornhole Competition (3 p.m.), Pika Run 5K Awards Ceremony (4 p.m.), Children’s “Umang” (hermit crab) Race (5 p.m.), Little Miss & Mr. Pika 2025, J.C. Café Burger Eating Contest, Hot Pepper Eating Contest (6 p.m.), Maranatha Cultural Mission Dancers from South Korea (6 p.m.), UNIFIL Folk Dancers (6:30 p.m.), Cha-cha Dance Contest (7 p.m.), Jayson Mauricio (7:30 p.m.), and JJ Aguon and Joe Guam (8:45 p.m.).
Food vendors open for lunch both days and the festival closes at 11 p.m. Contestants may sign up for contests in person on a first-come, first-serve basis at the festival.
The festival, affectionately known as “Pika Fest” among locals (“pika” means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous “Donni’ sali” hot pepper. Docomo Pacific is Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the festival.
The 2nd Annual Pika Run 5K will start at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 at the Fiesta Grounds Road Intersection and proceed along the historic World War II-era Broadway before returning to the starting point. Registration is $15. Cash prizes will be awarded in Men and Women’s Divisions: $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $75 for 3rd place in two categories, Over-All and Under 18. Registration forms are available on The Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/event-calendar/. Registration can be made the MVA offices in Tinian or Saipan or with the Tinian International Women’s Alliance at the Office of the Mayor of Tinian or by emailing dorthy.sannicolas@gmail.com or jvdecena89@gmail.com. Registration and payment can also be made on race day from 6 to 6:30 a.m. at the start line. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last.
Free camping is available at Jones Beach, Taga Beach (toilets, barbecue pits, and outdoor showers available), and at the adjacent Tachogna Beach (barbecue pits, outdoor showers, and toilets are available). Hotel accommodations are provided by Tinian Ocean View Hotel, Tinian Diamond Hotel and Casino, Tinian Diamond Suites, Tinian Western Lodge Hotel, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Tinian Street Motel, Fleming Hotel, Sunshine Hotel and Green Lion House Hotel.
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Sherman Santos at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200, Tinian Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or (670) 433-9365, or for the Pika Run 5K contact the Tinian Mayor’s Office at dorthy.sannicolas@gmail.com or (670) 433-1802 or (670) 433-1802.
