The Tipiyeew-Ina'famåolik Marianas celebrates Cultural Heritage Month

The Annual Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Master of Ceremony, John Gonzales, opens up the program with a warm Håfa Adai and Tirow! Also seated on the stage is, from right, Executive Assistant for Carolinian Affairs John I. Tagabuel, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, and House Minority Leader Rep. Angel Demapan. Seating in the second row is Priscilla Iakopo, the Marianas Visitors Authority managing director.

The Tipiyeew-Ina'famåolik Marianas event hosted by the Carolinian Affairs Office (CAO) drew Saipan residents to witness the Chamorro & Carolinian Culture as part of the annual Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month. Tipiyeew-Ina'famåolik Marianas translates to 'One Marianas' or 'United Marianas.'

The event showcased live performances, underground cooking (uumw) of a cow and pig, and art and cultural exhibitions such as sailing and fishing. Food vendors were on-site and attendees enjoyed free samples of local Chamorro and Carolinian cuisines.

Priscilla Iakopo, the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) managing director, said MVA will continue to collaborate with CAO and the Indigenous Affairs Office (IAO) every year to support the promotion of our indigenous culture with this signature event.

Si Yu'us Ma'åse, Olomwaay, and Thank You to CAO, IAO, MVA, and all sponsors for hosting a successful event!

Rev. Father. Albert Pellazar led the opening prayer that signified the official opening of the Annual Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage last Saturday, October 2, 2021.

The Annual Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month highlighted a traditional underground cooking – uumw – of a pig and cow. Depending on the size of the animal, it takes eight to 10 hours for it to be cooked.