A LIMITED number of ferry seats are still available between Tinian and Saipan and a shuttle to the festival grounds will be provided for the 18th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on March 11-13, 2022.
The festival, affectionately knowns as “Pika Fest” among locals (“pika” means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous “donne sali” hot pepper and includes a full weekend of activities including food sales, live entertainment, competitions, arts and crafts sales, and more.
A shuttle between Tinian International Airport and the festival grounds will be available by calling (670) 286-9367. Shuttle service will also be provided between the Port of Tinian and the festival grounds for arriving ferry schedule.
Ferry seats are still available on: March 12, departing Saipan at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and departing Tinian at 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.; March 13, departing Saipan at 8 a.m. and departing Tinian at 6 p.m.; and March 14, departing Saipan at 8 a.m. and departing Tinian at 5 p.m. The Super Emerald ferry will depart from the Commonwealth Ports Authority dock in Lower Base, passengers and must check in one hour before departure. Thirty-five passengers are allowed per ferry, and household pets are also allowed.
Ferry round trip cost is $15 for ages 3-11, $30 for ages 12 and older, and free for children ages 0-2. For one way, the cost is $10 for ages 3-11, $18 for ages 12 and older, and free for children ages 0-2. Advance ticket purchase is required and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Ticket purchases may be made at the Marianas Visitors Authority Office in Tinian or Saipan. Cash payments only will be accepted.
The festival will have a soft opening at 6 p.m. on March 11 at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian, adjacent to Jones Beach.. On March 12 & 13 live entertainment and competitions will begin at 5 p.m.
Platinum Sponsors for this year’s festival are Tan Holdings Corp. and Tan Sui Lin Foundation, Silver Sponsors are Bank of Guam and IT&E, and Bronze Sponsor is McDonald’s Saipan.
The 50K Pika Bike Race will begin at 6 a.m. on March 11 at the Fiesta Grounds. Registration is $40. For a registration form or more information on the 50K Pika Bike Race, contact Alex Gozon at alexgozon@yahoo.com or (670) 234-2665. Registration forms and payment may be submitted at The Bike Shop in Courtney’s Plaza on Beach Rd. in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan.
Temporary restrooms and showers will be installed at Jones Beach for the use of festival goers and campers.
For more information, contact Tinian field operations supervisor Vida Borja at
(670)433-9365 or e-mail at vborja@mymarianas.com or MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at (670)-664.3200 or email jaranda@mymarianas.com
