festivites
Here are some of the festivities and holidays celebrated in the Northern Mariana Islands:
1. Liberation Day - Celebrated on July 4th to commemorate the liberation of Saipan from Japanese occupation during World War II. The day is marked with a parade, cultural shows, food fairs, and fireworks.
2. Flame Tree Festival - Held in April, this festival celebrates the blossoming of the flame trees. There are cultural performances, music, dance, food, and arts and crafts.
3. Coconut Festival - Celebrated annually on the first weekend of December on the island of Rota. The event features coconut-related activities such as coconut husking, coconut cooking competitions, and coconut tree-climbing contests.
4. Thanksgiving Day - Celebrated every fourth Thursday of November, as in the United States. Families come together for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, which includes turkey and other dishes.
5. Christmas - Celebrated on December 25th, as in many other countries around the world. Islanders celebrate with feasts, gift-giving, caroling, and religious services.
6. Lenten Season - A period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday. Many people abstain from meat and other luxuries during this time.
7. Good Friday - A religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This day is marked by church services and processions.
8. Easter Sunday - Celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox (usually in late March or early April). Islanders celebrate with church services, family gatherings, and egg hunts.
These celebrations are an important part of the culture in the Northern Mariana Islands and serve as an opportunity for families and communities to come together and celebrate their heritage and traditions.
seasons
The Northern Mariana Islands have two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season - December to June: This is the peak season for tourism in the Northern Mariana Islands. The weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and diving. However, prices for accommodation and activities tend to be higher during this time.
2. Low Season - July to November: This is the off-season for tourism in the Northern Mariana Islands due to the higher chance of typhoons and rain. However, prices for accommodation and activities tend to be lower during this time.
Recommendations:
- If you plan to visit during the high season, make sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance.
- If you plan to visit during the low season, be prepared for potential weather disruptions and plan accordingly.
- Regardless of the season, always check the weather forecast before planning any outdoor activities.
visa
Citizens of certain countries are eligible to enter the Northern Mariana Islands visa-free for up to 45 days, while citizens of other countries require a visa. The cost and process of obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country of citizenship. However, as an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time information on visa processes and fees. It's best to check with the nearest consulate or embassy of the Northern Mariana Islands in your country of residence for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and costs.
souvenirs
The Northern Mariana Islands offer a variety of souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your trip, including:
1. Chamorro baskets - average price $20-50, available at the Thursday Night Market in Garapan or at local gift shops.
2. Shell jewelry - average price $10-30, available at gift shops and street vendors in Garapan.
3. Refaluwasch coconut oil - average price $10-20, available at gift shops and grocery stores throughout the islands.
4. Traditional woven mats - average price $20-50, available at the Thursday Night Market in Garapan or at local gift shops.
5. Local handicrafts - average price varies, available at the Joeten Shopping Center in Susupe or at local gift shops.
Prices may vary depending on the quality and location of the item.
If you have 1 week
It's great to hear that you are interested in exploring the world around you. As a DAN, I can suggest a one-week itinerary for you regardless of your location's situation.
Day 1: Start your trip by exploring your own island! Visit the Mariana Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean, which is located just off the coast of the Northern Mariana Islands. Take a boat tour and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea while learning about the history of the area.
Day 2: Head over to Guam, an island that is only a short distance away from the Northern Mariana Islands. Here, you can visit the War in the Pacific National Historical Park, which commemorates the battles fought during World War II. You can also visit the Statue of Liberty replica and the Two Lovers Point scenic lookout.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands. Visit the American Memorial Park, which honors those who died in the Marianas Campaign of WWII. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving at some of the island's famous coral reefs.
Day 4: Explore the island of Tinian, which is known for its beautiful beaches and underwater caves. You can also visit the House of Taga, an ancient structure made of limestone pillars that stand up to 14 feet tall.
Day 5: Hop on a plane and head to Palau, a cluster of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean. Here, you can explore the Rock Islands, which are famous for their unique limestone formations and clear waters. You can also visit Jellyfish Lake, where thousands of harmless jellyfish float in the water.
Day 6: Make your way to Yap, another island group located in the western Pacific. Here, you can visit traditional stone money banks, which are made up of large carved stones that were used as currency in the past. You can also experience traditional Yapese culture by attending a dance performance or visiting a local market.
Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Federated States of Micronesia, which is made up of four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. In Pohnpei, you can visit Nan Madol, an ancient city built on a series of small islands. You can also go hiking through the lush forest or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
I hope this itinerary inspires you to explore the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Islands. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
Wonderful! Northern Mariana Islands is a fantastic place to start your adventure. Here's a suggested two-week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Explore the beauty of Northern Mariana Islands. Visit the Saipan Botanical Garden and learn about the indigenous flora and fauna. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters at Managaha Island, which has pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and an underwater marine park.
Day 4-5: Visit Tinian Island which is famous for its WWII history. You can visit the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, where you can learn more about the island's role during WWII.
Day 6: Head to Rota Island, which is known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. You can visit the Taga Beach, swim in the turquoise blue waters, and take a hike up to Mount Sabana for breathtaking views of the island.
Day 7: Visit the Bird Island Sanctuary where you can witness different bird species and their nesting habitats.
Week 2:
Day 8-9: Take a flight to Guam Island, which is known for its rich cultural heritage. You can visit historical sites such as the Plaza de Espana, Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, and the Latte Stone Park.
Day 10-11: Experience the unique fusion of traditional Chamorro and modern culture in Tumon Bay. Visit the Underwater World aquarium, take a sunset cruise, and enjoy the local cuisines.
Day 12-13: Take a ferry to Saipan's neighboring islands, the beautiful Agrihan and Alamagan. These are remote tropical islands that offer incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. While there, you can go fishing, hiking, and camping.
Day 14: Enjoy the last day in Northern Mariana Island by shopping for souvenirs and local goods at Garapan Street Market.
I recommend this itinerary because it offers a diverse range of activities such as exploring nature, experiencing culture, learning about the history and much more. You will have the opportunity to visit remote islands, beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and other tourist attractions. This itinerary is designed to cater to everyone's interests and preferences, and you will have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the tropical paradise that Northern Mariana Islands has to offer.
Culture
Much of the Chamorro culture in the Mariana Islands was heavily influenced by the Spanish during the Spanish era, as well as by the Germans and Japanese. Respect is an important part of Chamorro culture, and one common display is the tradition of "manngingi'". This tradition has been around for centuries and involves an elder and a young Chamorro child. The child takes the hand of the elder, places it on their nose and says ñot to the men and ñora to the women with the elders responding diosti ayudi (from Spanish Señor, Señora, Dios Te Ayude), meaning "God help you".
The Carolinian culture is very similar to the Chamorro culture with respect being very important. The Carolinian culture can be traced back to Yap and Chuuk, where the Carolinians originated.
Much of Chamorro cuisine is influenced by various cultures. Examples of popular foods of foreign origin include various types of sweet or savory empanada, originally introduced from Spain, and pancit, a noodle dish from the Philippines.
Archeological evidence reveals that rice has been cultivated in the Marianas since prehistoric times. Red rice made with achoti is a distinct staple food that strongly distinguishes Chamorro cuisine from that of other Pacific islands. It is commonly served for special events, such as parties (gupot or "fiestas"), novenas, and high school or college graduations. Fruits such as lemmai (breadfruit), mangga (mangoes), niyok (coconuts), and bilimbines (bilimbi, a fruit related to starfruit) are included in various local recipes. Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and American cuisine are also commonly available.
Local specialities include kelaguen, a dish in which meat is cooked in whole or in part by the action of citric acid rather than heat; tinaktak, a meat dish made with coconut milk; and kå'du fanihi (flying fox/fruit bat soup). Fruit bats have become scarce in modern times on several islands, primarily due to the overharvesting of the species and loss of habitat; hunting them is now illegal even though poaching still occurs.
The Marianas and the Hawaiian islands are the world's foremost consumers, per capita, of Spam, with Guam at the top of the list, and Hawaii second (details regarding the rest of the Marianas are often absent from statistics). Spam was introduced to the islands by the American military as war rations during the World War II era.
A small independent cinema of Northern Mariana Islands, producing mostly documentary films, developed in the 21st century thanks to the efforts of the Commonwealth and of the Northern Marianas College. Films had already been shot in the islands in the 20th century by foreign producers.
In 2002, a new § 2151 of the Commonwealth Code established within the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), a Commonwealth Film, Video and Media Office, also known as the Northern Mariana Islands Film Office, with the purpose of attracting foreign companies to produce movies in the Commonwealth and to develop a local cinema industry.
Team sports popular in the United States were introduced to the Northern Mariana Islands by American soldiers during World War II. Baseball is the islands' most popular sport. CNMI teams have made appearances in the Little League World Series (in the Little, Junior, Senior and Big league divisions) as well as winning gold medals in the Micronesian Games and South Pacific Games.
Basketball and mixed martial arts are also popular in the islands, which hosted the official 2009 Oceania Basketball Tournament. Trench Wars is the CNMI's Mixed Martial Arts brand. Fighters from the CNMI have competed in the Pacific Xtreme Combat as well as the UFC.
Other sports in the CNMI include Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, tennis, soccer, outrigger sailing, softball, beach volleyball, rugby, golf, boxing, kickboxing, tae kwon do, track and field, swimming, triathlon, and football.
Religion
Owing to the Spanish missionaries in the Marianas, a large majority of Chamorros and Carolinians practice Roman Catholicism. The Japanese occupation had the effect of creating a sizable Buddhist community which remained even after their departure. Due to influence of the United States, diverse denominations of Protestantism also entered the islands. Many people on the Northern Mariana Islands are Roman Catholic or have traditional beliefs. According to the Pew Research Center, 2010: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 865 members in a ward (congregation) in the Northern Mariana Islands.
* Roman Catholic 64.1%
* Protestants 16%
* Buddhists 10.6%
* Folk religions 5.3%
* Other Christians 1.2%
* Other religions 1.1%
* Unaffiliated 1.0%
* Eastern Orthodox <1%
* Hindu <1%
* Muslim <1%
* Jews <1%
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the population of the CNMI was 47,329, down from 69,221 in 2000. The decrease was reportedly due to a combination of factors including the demise of the garment industry (the vast majority of whose employees were females from China), economic crises, and a decline in tourism, one of the CNMI's primary sources of revenue.
Except for the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands are the second least populous sub-federal jurisdiction in the United States, next to American Samoa.
The official languages on the Northern Mariana Islands include English, Chamorro, and Carolinian. Few people still speak the nearly extinct Tanapag language. Many Philippine languages, Chinese, and other Pacific island languages are also spoken. Spanish is still retained in surnames but is no longer commonly used, though it is still familiar to some elders as a third or fourth language.
Austronesian peoples Asian Peoples All Other
* 35.3% Filipino
* 23.9% Chamorro
* 4.6% Refaluwasch
* 6.4% Other Pacific Islanders
* 6.8% Chinese
* 4.2% Korean
* 3.7% Other Asians
* 12.7% Multi-racial/multi-ethnic
* 2.4% Unspecified Other
Owing to the Spanish missionaries in the Marianas, a large majority of Chamorros and Carolinians practice Roman Catholicism. The Japanese occupation had the effect of creating a sizable Buddhist community which remained even after their departure. Due to influence of the United States, diverse denominations of Protestantism also entered the islands. Many people on the Northern Mariana Islands are Roman Catholic or have traditional beliefs. According to the Pew Research Center, 2010: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 865 members in a ward (congregation) in the Northern Mariana Islands.
* Roman Catholic 64.1%
* Protestants 16%
* Buddhists 10.6%
* Folk religions 5.3%
* Other Christians 1.2%
* Other religions 1.1%
* Unaffiliated 1.0%
* Eastern Orthodox <1%
* Hindu <1%
* Muslim <1%
* Jews <1%
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System operates public schools in the commonwealth and there are numerous private schools. Northern Marianas College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers a range of programs similar to other small U.S. community colleges.
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