The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival: Pika! Pika! Pika!

Since Terri and I are going to miss the Hot Pepper Festival this year (just bad timing!), Janet King (a flower among the flowers) sent us a couple of pictures to remind us of what we are missing!

Tinian is famous for its tiny hot peppers, and the island holds a yearly festival to celebrate. The following is an article from the local paper about the event:

FROM THE SAIPAN TRIBUNE
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Tinian's Hot Pepper Fest is also a Valentine's treat

As Valentine's Day and its traditional chocolates draw near, history
reminds us that the Aztecs were the first to serve chocolate as a
drink, mixing it with hot chili pepper to make a special beverage.
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, 2009, 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!" (or "Hot! Hot! Hot!" in indigenous
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 the 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 1.670.433.9365
or e-mail at vborja@mymarianas.com. (MVA)

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We hope all of you have a hot time during the festivities!