WITHOUT modern day navigational gadgets to guide their journey, 20 seafarers sailed for seven days from Satawal to Saipan and arrived here on Saturday to join the
The group’s arrival at 9 a.m. officially started the three-day festivities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Micronesia and the Northern Marianas.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta personally welcomed the seafarers led by master navigator, Dr. Pius Mao Piailug and his brother Urpa. The men, which included five Saipan residents, sailed on two traditional Micronesian boats especially made for the occasion.
Jesus Kruaf, a worker at Saipan’s Top Fashion Garment Factory, said the journey gave him a sense of worth knowing that his ancestors were noted seafarers despite their limited resources.
Kruaf encourages other CNMI residents to join the journey next year.
Piailug vows to continue the traditional voyage between Satawal and Saipan as long as he can.
At American Memorial Park, 86 booths were set up for the festival. Most of them sold services and goods—accessories, art works and tattoos.
Some booths provided information about spiritual and religious matters—Falun Gong the Chuch of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, Gospel Light Baptist Church and Youth With a Mission.
Delegates from Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tinian, Rota, Saipan and Guam shared their rich cultural backgrounds during the festivities.
Yap, which did not join last year’s festivities, sent delegates this year, including its traditional stone money.
Robert H. Hunter, executive director of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, said the festival highlights the many wonderful things that the Micronesian forefathers had passed on to this generation.
“The arts impart information about ourselves individually and our society as a whole and this festival, through the art and craftwork, performances and through its spirit of exchange and celebration, is a reflection of the best of our community,” Hunter said.
He also credited the local community for its continued support.
“The festival has thrived and grown because of this spirit and strength of community. The festival continues to highlight what is best about the Northern Mariana Islands and its people,” he said.
