(Press Release) — The 2022 Liberation Day on Saipan will be celebrated from June 30 to July 4 at Garapan Fishing Base, highlighted by food, live entertainment, a parade, fireworks, and other festivities.
Liberation Day is celebrated to mark the permanent closure on July 4, 1946, of the civilian internment camps on Saipan, when indigenous Chamorros and Carolinians were allowed to fully return to their land and lives following World War II.
The annual commemoration is spearheaded by the Saipan Mayor’s Office and coincides with the U.S. observance of Independence Day.
“This year’s theme is, ‘Honoring our Legacy as we Ride the Waves of Change,’” said Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang in officially announcing the festivities. “Seventy-six years since the people of Saipan were permitted to return to their family homes, farmlands, and property, to begin picking up their lives and starting anew, is truly a legacy we all enjoy and must cherish and preserve today. It was not an easy beginning and the lessons we learned from the past have prepared us to overcome hardships in our time.”
The Liberation Day parade will be held on July 4 at 10 a.m. on Beach Rd. from National Office Supply to Garapan Fishing Base. Applications for floats and marching groups are due by Friday (June 24) at 4 p.m.
Cash prizes will be awarded: $5,000 for 1st place, $4,000 for 2nd place, and $3,000 for 3rd place, $2,000 for 4th place, $1,000 for 5th place, and $500 for 6th place.
For applications, contact parade subcommittee chairwoman Luise Villagomez at lvillagomez@mos.gov.mp or (670) 234-6208. Road closures will be announced once finalized.
Festivities will kick off with an opening ceremony on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the festival grounds. Over 20 food and drink vendors will be open and live entertainment will be presented from 6:30 to 10 p.m. nightly. On July 4, grounds will open at 9 a.m.
Applications are still being accepted for food and drink vendors. For applications, contact concessions subcommittee chairwoman Joann Aquino at jaquino.mos@gmail.com or (670) 234.6208.
Fireworks display will start at 9 p.m. on July 4 at Garapan Fishing Base.
For more information, contact the Saipan Mayor’s Office at saipanmayor@mos.gov.mp or (670) 234.6208.
