This holiday season, Holiday Village, an initiative by Inspire Marianas, brought the Marianas together for a celebration of culture, creativity, and sustainability. With a series of events that drew over 2,000 attendees from more than 10 countries, Holiday Village became a shining example of how collaboration and community can create something truly special.
Through events like Maolek Market and the debut of Treasure Island, we supported local businesses, amplified island traditions, and embraced eco-friendly practices to spread the Hafa Adai spirit far and wide.
Maolek Market: Sharing Maolek Vibes with the Community
Maolek Market became the heart of handmade goods and cultural experiences, with four successful market dates that gave small businesses a platform to shine. Vendors showcased locally crafted products, offering attendees a unique shopping experience rooted in the traditions of the Marianas.
The market wasn’t just about commerce—it was about community. Alongside the vendors, we hosted cultural workshops like coconut weaving and CHamoru language activities, helping preserve and celebrate our heritage. Kids were also a big part of the Maolek Market experience, with educational and creative activities such as ornament-making, ensuring that the younger generation could engage with the holiday spirit while learning about their culture.
Thanks to Maolek Market, small businesses had the chance to earn extra income and expand their reach while visitors experienced the warmth of our “maolek” (good) vibes.
Treasure Island: A New Wave of Sustainability and Creativity
The Treasure Island event series launched for the first time this year, bringing together the next generation of young entrepreneurs in the fashion and sustainability scenes. With two successful events, Treasure Island served as a platform to celebrate the beauty of secondhand and vintage clothing while encouraging eco-conscious practices.
Attendees explored curated collections of sustainable fashion while participating in unique workshops, including DJ lessons and sewing tutorials, which empowered them to express their creativity. Treasure Island fostered a sense of innovation and collaboration, helping young entrepreneurs promote their brands and connect with like-minded individuals.
This event marked a pivotal step in blending sustainability with style, showing how we can treasure both the past and the planet while embracing forward-thinking ideas.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainability was at the core of the entire Holiday Village experience. The event spaces, decorated by Sophia-Mae Quintana and Kayla Muna Barnes, used 100% secondhand decorations, paired with locally handmade products, to create magical holiday settings. This thoughtful approach not only minimized waste but also showcased how beautiful and impactful repurposed materials can be.
A Community Tree to Unite Us All
One of the most beloved highlights of Holiday Village was the Community Tree, a collaborative project involving contributions from over 200 individuals. Each person added ornaments, messages of hope, or handmade decorations, turning the tree into a stunning symbol of unity and shared purpose.
The Community Tree embodied the spirit of a true village, where every member’s contribution—no matter how small—helped build something greater. It stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, diversity, and togetherness.
The Essence of a Village
Through Holiday Village, Inspire Marianas demonstrated the beauty of the Marianas and the strength of its people. By supporting over 40 small businesses, hiring local artists and musicians, and engaging attendees from all walks of life, the event proved that every member of the village has a role to play.
Whether it was the handmade goods at Maolek Market, the sustainable fashion at Treasure Island, or the cultural workshops that connected attendees to their roots, Holiday Village was a living, breathing celebration of island life.
Spreading the Hafa Adai Spirit
With attendees from across the globe, Holiday Village successfully spread the Hafa Adai spirit far beyond our shores. It celebrated the rich culture of the Marianas while fostering a sense of belonging and shared joy.
Looking Ahead
As we look back on the success of Holiday Village, we’re filled with gratitude for the over 200 community members, small business owners, and volunteers who made this series of events possible. Together, we’ve not only celebrated the holidays but also planted seeds for stronger connections, greater creativity, and more sustainable practices in the future.
Here’s to more events that bring us together, celebrate our culture, and inspire generations to come. Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to everyone who made Holiday Village a success, and we can’t wait to see you next year!
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