Students perform at Christmas in The Marianas in December 2023. The 20th Annual Christmas in The Marianas celebration will be organized by Marianas Visitors Authority with numerous community events on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
SPREADING the holiday cheer across the archipelago, the Marianas Visitors Authority will join the respective mayor’s offices to host a Christmas variety show in Tinian next month, as well as several events in Rota.
The Christmas in The Marianas Variety Show will be held on Dec. 13, 2024, at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian. Beginning at 5 p.m., revelers of all ages will present Christmas carols, dance performances and costumes throughout the evening. The best performances for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category will win cash prizes, and food vendors will be on hand to satisfy the appetite. Individuals and groups may register to participate by contact MVA Tinian Field Operations supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com or (670) 433-9365.
“In collaboration with the Marianas Visitors Authority, we are thrilled to invite you to this year’s Holiday Variety Show, a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the festive season with joy and unity,” said Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan. “This event is not just a showcase of diverse talent; it’s a celebration of the spirit that binds us all. I encourage everyone to join in the fun and support our talented young performers. Let’s make this holiday season a memorable one!”
On Rota, the official Christmas Tree will be lit in Songsong village on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Island residents will have the opportunity to win cash prizes for the best decorated yard on Dec. 13. Cash prizes are $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd place, with separate judging and prizes for three areas: Songsong, Sinapalo I, and Sinapalo II & III combined. A Christmas float parade will be held on Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. from the Roundhouse in Songsong to Tun Kindo Baseball Field in Sinapalo. Interested participants may register with the Rota Mayor’s Office at (670) 322-9451.
“It’s a Marianas Christmas and the perfect season for a getaway to Tinian or Rota, especially during these festive events,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “With additional inter-island flight service, we expect more travelers will get to enjoy the special island-flavored Christmas of Tinian and Rota this holiday season.”
On Saipan, MVA will host the 20th Annual Christmas in The Marianas in Saipan in collaboration with PDM Promoters, Team PDI, and local schools.
This year’s celebration will gather revelers from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 7 & 14, 2024, in Garapan, Saipan, at Paseo de Marianas, which will be partially closed to vehicle traffic. Twenty public and private schools have signed up to share their holiday spirit with Christmas caroling, skits, and costumes. The festivities also will include a display of Christmas Trees featuring natural and recycled decorations made by schoolchildren will be staged for the public to enjoy. Festivities will kick off with a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Trees on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded on Dec. 14, 2024, to the top schools in various contests.
Sponsors include Tinian Diamond Hotel Casino & Restaurant and IShop.
For more information, contact lead event coordinator and MVA Community Projects Coordinator II Jack Aranda at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or (670) 664-3200/1.
