The 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas gathers a crowd on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Agape Christian School performs at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School performs at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
IT’S a visual feast planned for this Saturday’s (Dec. 16) Christmas in the Marianas holiday fete at T Galleria in Saipan.
The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority is organized in collaboration with PDM Promoters, Team PDI, and DFS Saipan.
Following the Marianas Experience — a free, interactive indigenous cultural exhibition — from 3 to 5:30 p.m., local schools will take the stage. A Christmas Costume Catwalk will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by holiday skits by local high schools: Saipan International School (6:30 p.m.), Agape Christian School (6:45 p.m.) Mount Carmel School (7 p.m.), Grace Christian Academy (7:15 p.m.), and Marianas High School (7:30 p.m.). Awards for the best decorated Christmas tree — featuring ornaments made from natural and recyclable material — will be given to the winning schools at 8 p.m. The Marianas Experience will resume until closing at 9 p.m. Food and drinks will be on sale at the event.
“It’s been an exciting Christmas in the Marianas the last two weekends, and the students, teachers, and our community are making it a packed T Galleria every Saturday,” said MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas. “If you haven’t been by yet, join us this weekend and let’s enjoy a joyous celebration with our visitors this holiday season in the heart of Garapan.”
This event is sponsored by Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, iShop, and Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods. Other event supporters are the CNMI Public School System and Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.
A display of Christmas Trees featuring natural and recycled decorations made by schoolchildren is staged in front of DFS main entrance. Christmas in the Marianas will also be held on Dec. 30, 2023, with the celebration of the Japanese Mochitsuki Festival to mark the new year with the ceremonial pounding of mochi, or glutinous rice.
Participating schools are William S. Reyes Elementary School, Hopwood Middle School, Grace Christian Academy, Golden Harvest International School, Chacha Ocean View Middle School, Green Meadow School, Tanapag Middle School, Saipan International School, Garapan Elementary School, Dandan Middle School, Northern Marianas International School, Agape Christian School, San Vicente Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, Brilliant Star School, Mount Carmel School, Oleai Elementary School, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Saipan Community School, and Koblerville Elementary School. Caroling & Skit Contest will be awarded on Dec. 30, 2023.
For more information, contact lead event coordinator and MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at [email protected] or (670) 664-3200/1 or visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/.
Northern Marianas International School band and chorus perform at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Saipan Community School performs at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Youth audience members sing along with carolers at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Raymon Ilo, left, and Francisca Muna showcase handmade jewelry at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 2, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
Cup Bap serves customers at the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Dec. 9, 2023, at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
