Saipan Mayor RB Camacho talks about the significance of Liberation Day.
Liberation Day Committee Chairwoman Nadine Deleon Guerrero delivers her remarks.
HUNDREDS of people, including dozens of vendors, marked the opening of the 77th Liberation Day Carnival festivities on Saturday, July 1, at Garapan Fishing Base.
In his remarks, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho highlighted the significance of Liberation Day, which commemorates the day on July 4, 1946 when Chamorros and Carolinians on Saipan were released from Camp Chalan Kanoa.
“The people, through determination and the will to survive and achieve freedom and happiness, have brought about the development and creation of our Commonwealth today,” Camacho said.
This year’s theme is “Resiliency Rising.”
In his address, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said the festivities are a “celebration of 77 years worth of progress and continuing our story of resiliency.”
“Resiliency Rising should be more than just a theme for this year’s festivities,” the governor added. “It should be a reminder of who we truly are as a people — a close-knit community with our enduring spirit of what we call inafa’maolek and tipiew dedicated to overcoming any obstacles and challenges.”
The carnival will operate Fridays to Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., according to Liberation Day Committee Chairwoman Nadine Deleon Guerrero. The closing ceremony will take place on July 22.
Deleon Guerrero said the festivities will feature the Battle of the Bands, which challenges local artists to write an original theme song for Liberation Day 2024. The grand prize is $1,000 cash.
At the carnival grounds, emcee John Hosono said the deadline to enter the contest is July 5. Interested parties may email [email protected] for more information.
Deleon Guerrero said Marpac will sponsor a live show during the closing ceremony.
Bingo will take place on July 4 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Deleon Guerrero said. There will also be bingo on the weekend of July 6 to 8.
Live music will be featured throughout the festivities.
There are 25 food vendors and an official beer garden at the Liberation Day Carnival, according to the site’s official layout plan. But Hosono said smoking tobacco or consuming cannabis is not permitted on site.
Raffle tickets are being sold at the carnival grounds with the prizes changing daily.
On Saturday, the raffle prizes included a one-night stay in the Royal Deluxe room with breakfast for two and pool access at Kensington Hotel; Sunday brunch for two at Aqua Resort; and an electric fan.
The Liberation Day Parade on July 4 will feature over 40 participating groups, according to emcee Gordon Marciano. The assembly for participants begins at National Office Supply on Beach Road. The parade starts at 10 a.m.
Gina Ignacio of Yadokari Kitchen prepares okonomiyaki at the Liberation Day Carnival in Garapan.
From left, Fina Mamis & Things’ Amy Cabrera, Adam Salalila, Dylan Salalila pose for a photo.
Christiano’s Food Truck staff members are ready to serve community members.
Cam’ja Bistro’s Felix and Esther Camacho are among this year’s Liberation Day vendors.
Lincoln Manibusan, left, and Cameron Atalig at the Tupu Cane Juice booth.
