(MVA) — Due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the community, the 18th Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival slated for this month has been postponed to March 11-13, 2022.
The Marianas Visitors Authority announced the decision Wednesday after consultations with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp, CNMI Covid-19 Task Force, and festival co-organizer Tinian Mayor’s Office.
“Due to the rising number of Covid cases in Saipan and elsewhere, there is a concern about what a sudden influx of visitors might mean for Tinian, so we have decided to postpone the festival in hopes things will be more stable in March,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Community safety is always MVA’s first concern at our signature events, and we are confident that postponing the festival is the right decision at this time. We encourage our community to complete their vaccination and boosters shots, if they haven’t already.”
Refunds for ferry seats are available by visiting the MVA office in San Jose, Saipan, or Tinian. The original ticket, receipt and valid photo I.D. must be shown for a refund. Alternately, ticket holders may rebook for available seats for the ferry in March, with restrictions, once the new ferry schedule is determined.
The festival, held at the Festival Ground in San Jose and 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.
For more information, contact MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at (670) 664-3200 or email jaranda@mymarianas.com or Tinian field operations supervisor Vida Borja at (670) 43309365 or e-mail vborja@mymarianas.com
Priscilla M. Iakopo
