Mochitsuki Festival highlights Christmas in The Marianas, Dec 30

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Celebrate the season’s finale on Dec 30 at T Galleria, Saipan with the Mochitsuki Festival, vibrant dances, and cultural displays!

The concluding celebration of the Yuletide season in The Marianas is set for tomorrow, December 30th, showcasing the much-anticipated Mochitsuki Festival at T Galleria, Saipan. This yearly flagship event, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in partnership with PDM Promoters, Team PDI, and DFS Saipan, promises to be a cultural spectacle.

The festivities will commence with “The Marianas Experience,” a complimentary and interactive exhibition of local indigenous culture, scheduled from 3 to 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by a vibrant performance by the Saipan Awaodori dance ensemble. The highlight of the evening, the Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, begins at 6 p.m., featuring the traditional preparation of “mochi,” or sticky rice, signifying the ushering in of the new year.

At 8 p.m., the event will honor schools for their outstanding Christmas caroling and skits. The evening will conclude with a variety of entertainment provided by The Marianas Experience, lasting until 9 p.m.

MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion expressed his delight at the unique blend of cultures represented in this year’s Christmas in The Marianas at T Galleria. He emphasized the enthusiasm of the schools and invited the community and visitors to partake in the dance, song, mochi-pounding, awards, and festive food as 2023 draws to a close and 2024 is welcomed with optimism.

The event is proudly sponsored by Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, iShop, and Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods, with additional support from the CNMI Public School System and Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.

Schools such as William S. Reyes Elementary School, Hopwood Middle School, Grace Christian Academy, and many others have actively participated in this event, contributing to its success.

A unique attraction of this celebration is the display of Christmas Trees at the DFS main entrance, adorned with natural and recycled decorations crafted by students, epitomizing the spirit of sustainability and creativity.

The 19th Annual Christmas in The Marianas, which began on December 16th, 2023, at T Galleria, has been a platform for various schools and cultural groups to showcase their talent and celebrate the season’s joy. This event continues to be a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of The Marianas, bringing together the community in a festive and meaningful way.

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