This Valentine’s Day, the island community of Tinian provides the perfect treat as it serves up its own hot pepper specialties during the annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival.
The festival slated for Feb. 14-15, is named in honor of donni sali, a small but potent hot pepper that is indigenous to the island.
“The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival is going to be the perfect Valentine’s getaway, whether with friends, family, or that special someone,” said Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio. “Whether it’s island recipes seasoned with native donni sali or other activities, the island of Tinian offers a buffet of cultural, scenic, and entertainment choices.”
With the theme “Pika! Pika! Pika!” — “Hot! Hot! Hot!” in Chamorro — the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival will be celebrated at Tachogna Beach.
Activities include cooking competitions, indigenous craft sales, and live entertainment, including cultural dances, standup comedy, and Hapi the clown.
The festival will also feature umang (hermit crab) races, a hot pepper eating contest, and numerous sports activities, including beach volleyball and dragon boat races.
Away from the festival grounds, visitors can explore white sand beaches, stunning cliff lines, ancient Chamorro limestone pillars called Taga stones, relics from the Japanese era of administration of the islands, and World War II ruins. World class gaming is also available at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino.
Tinian is accessible within minutes of the main island of Saipan via airplane or ferry, or via connecting flights from Rota and Guam.
For more information, contact the MVA Tinian office at 433-9365 or e-mail [email protected].
