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| Country Guide > Australia and South Pacific > Northern Mariana Islands |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Local specialities include kelaguin, a chewy mixture of diced chicken and shredded coconut and thin slices of raw coconut dipped in a peppery sauce. A wide choice of food is on offer, including Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai and US. Nightlife There are several popular bars in Garapan and a few nightclubs and discos. Shopping Special purchases here include wishing dolls, coconut masks, coconut-crab decorations and woodcarvings, plus numerous duty free items. Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 0800-2100. Special Events Village fiestas in honour of local patron saints are among the principal annual celebrations. For further information on special events in the Northern Marianas contact the Marianas Visitors’ Authority (see Contact Addresses section), which produces an annual listing. The following is a selection of special events occurring in the Northern Mariana Islands in 2005: Jan Half marathon. Feb 5th Annual Pic/Powerade Tennis Championships, Saipan. Feb Tinian Tropical Triathlon & Reef Swim. Mar Flame Tree Festival (a variety of cultural entertainment and exhibitions of local art). Apr 5th Rota Blue Ocean Swim. Jul-Aug Marianas Windsurfing Cup, Saipan. Oct Festival of San Francisco do Borja, Rota. Social Conventions The Chamorro culture of the original inhabitants can still be traced, although it is overlaid by strong American influences. Western conventions are well understood. |