Last Sunday, June 12, marked the final day of Saipan’s annual Flame Tree Festival–now in its thirtieth year! Each year, artists, sculptors, and artisans of all stripes come to sell their wares to an appreciative public.
There are also food vendors, performers from across Micronesia and the Pacific. This year’s festivities were held at Saipan’s Memorial Park.
artists…
performers…
Onlookers…
Yes, the festival has been proceeding on its own for 30 years. However, I think I can confidently speak for everyone there on Saturday, that the high point of the day for all in attendance came when a certain Jamaican on Saipan took the stage to learn the Haka dance from the visiting New Zealand delegation. Well, at least it was the highlight for me!
Jamaican takes the stage
Jamaican learning the Traditional New Zealand Maori Haka dance
Jamaican in Asia — Then and Now
I last visited and roamed through mainland China in 2011. Now, after 15 years away, I am going back to discover what has changed and what remains the same!
China 2011 → China 2026