The crowd participates in a group dance at the 19th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival, held on Feb. 18-19, 2023, in San Jose, Tinian. The 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority will be held on Feb. 16-17, 2024.
The 20th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority will be held on Feb. 16-17, 2024.
(MVA) — The iconic Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in the Marianas will celebrate two decades of food, fun, and flaming hot spiciness on Feb. 16-17, 2024.
The festival, affectionately known as “Pika Fest” among locals (“pika” means spicy), pays homage to Tinian’s small but famous “donni’ sali” hot pepper. Activities will include food sales, live entertainment, competitions, arts, and crafts sales, and more.
“The beautiful island of Tinian is perfect to visit at any time of the year, but the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival — along with the annual San Jose fiesta, Chief Taga Festival, and Tinian Beef, Beer, & Beefs Festival — has to be one of the best times,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Imagine a huge family party that the whole island is invited to, that’s Pika Fest. Island food and drinks, dances and other live performances, friendly people, a stunning beach backdrop…add a taste of donni’ sali and a weekend in Tinian will be seared into the memory forever – in a good way! Come out for a President’s Day weekend you won’t forget!”
The festival will kick off on the evening of Feb. 16 and will continue on Feb. 17 in the evening. The event is organized by MVA in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan and will once again 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.
“I am thrilled that we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the highly anticipated Tinian Hot Pepper Festival, as this momentous occasion brings together our community and visitors across the Marianas Archipelago,” said Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan Edwin Aldan. “For two decades now, the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival, known to many of us as the ‘Pika Festival’ continues to showcase the unique and vibrant flavors of our locally grown hot peppers. The festival has become a beloved tradition, embracing a fusion of culinary arts, entertainment, and community spirit. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our people.”
Hotel accommodations are available at Tinian Ocean View, Tinian Diamond Hotel and Casino, Tinian Diamond Suites, Tinian Western Lodge Hotel, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Tinian Street Motel, Fleming Hotel, Green Lion House Hotel, Lucky Homes Hotel, and the Marpo Valley Inn. 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).
For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Ray Villagomez at [email protected], Tinian field operations supervisor Vida Borja at [email protected] or (670) 433-9365 or the Tinian Mayor’s Office at (670) 433-1802.
