22ND ANNUAL TINIAN HOT PEPPER FESTIVAL: DOUBLE THE FUN
Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) — Organizers, supporters, and festivalgoers all contributed to double the fun at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on Feb. 13 & 14, 2026, in the Marianas. The festival - affectionately called “Pika (spicy) Fest” by locals - is organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in cooperation with the Tinian Mayor’s Office, and pays homage to the island’s diminutive but potent donni’ sali hot pepper.
Entertainment was a hit with a variety of cultural dance groups reflecting the multi-cultural archipelago, where over 20 ethnicities from around the world live and work. Bands from the neighboring islands of Saipan and Guam also vied for a chance to perform at the wildly popular festival in Tinian, with live performances spilling over into the wee hours of the next day on both nights.
In the Pika Run 5K Fun Run early Saturday morning, it was a neck and neck finish with Martin Buenao (00:21:24), Anthony Talvera (00:21:43), and Edmar Tirona (00:21:45) topping the Men’s Division. For the Women’s Division, top finishers were Elvira Furnari (00:30:15), Cabrielle Glareg (00:34:46), and Jacquelyn Pereira (00:35:07).
Geremy Santos, Battalion Commander of the award-winning Tinian High School JROTC Stallion Battalion, led his fellow cadets in executing the race under the guidance of the MVA.
“I think this festival is one of a kind,” said Santos. “The people are the best part of coming to Tinian. That welcoming attitude, embracing anyone who comes here no matter who they are….that’s really the special part of Tinian, to me.”
Bueno later chewed his way to second place in the J.C. Cafe Pika Burger Eating Contest, bested by Raymond Allen and followed by Gerardo Segooria. Bragging rights for chopping through 100 searing donni’ sali later went to Joseph Ashmere, followed by Jamiee San Nicolas Omengkar and Thomas Erickson.
Aside from spicy menu selections and jars of processed donni’ sali for sale, vendor Chili Rock extended a “warm” welcome to brave festivalgoers with free samples of the potent pepper. At least one patron was seen taking up the challenge, cautiously downing a small taste with a cooling mocha frappe in hand, while event MC LJ Castro later evaluated his donni-seasoned veggie hoagie bite for the crowd. Chili Rock was also judged the best vendor booth at the event, followed by Barbarias and Tropic 1.
The Estufao (Spicy Stew) Cooking Contest drew three lucky contestants who all walked away with a cash prize, as did the winners of all the other festival contests. The Tinian trio was led by Carol Manglona, followed by Rene Dungad, and Sylvia Biz.
The kids had their own time in the limelight with the Umang (hermit crab) Race, topped by the crustacean crawlers of Brad Lee Alambra, Akina Patio, and Itiri Yap.
“I didn’t know Tinian existed. It’s been really nice,” said festivalgoer Caroline Ballet of Texas. “ I think if you’re looking for a place that’s just really laid back and life is at a slower pace, there’s not a lot in your face overstimulating you. Go out to beaches…a clear ocean...fishing…it’s just fun. And there’s a lot of history here. If you want to do pre-contact there’s the House of Taga (latte stone ruins), but then it goes all the way up to World War II.”
Things later heated up onstage in the evening. Tearing up the dance floor in the Bailan Batsu Contest were “Arseni & Dolores,” followed by “Mina & Martin.” “Arsneski & Dolores” repeated their winning form for 2nd place in the Chacha Contest, bested by “Jojo & Edna” and followed by “Jane & Bong.”
This year’s sponsors are DOCOMO Pacific, Atkins Kroll Saipan, Inc., NMI News Service, and Coca-Cola Beverage Co. Inc.. The event was also supported by the Dept. of Community and Cultural Affairs. In addition to rides from Saipan to Tinian offered by local boat operators, STAR Marianas allowed visitors to stay an extra hour on Tinian with extended flights up until 6:30 p.m., while some festivalgoers - including local media - availed of whole plane charter flights available until 9:30 p.m. Hotel rooms were sold out for the event, prompting many to opt for free camping on nearby white sand beaches.
The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival is held every President’s Day weekend in the Marianas, offering visitors a Far From Ordinary beachside experience of island hospitality, sense of community, and natural beauty.
Winners of the Pika Fun Run 5K receive their awards on Feb. 14, 2026, at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival in Tinian, Marianas. From left, Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) Tinian Field Operations Supervisor Vida Borja, Tinian High School JROTC Stallion Battalion Commander Geremy Santos, Women’s 3rd Place Jacelyn Pereira, Women’s 1st place Elvira Furnari, Women’s 2nd place Gabrielle Glarez, Men’s 2nd place Anthony Talvera, and MVA Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas.
The kids Umang (hermit crab) Race at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas. The festival is an annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority held on President’s Day weekend.
J.C. Cafe serves patrons at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
The diminutive but Far From Ordinary donni’ sali hot pepper is the star of the show at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
Carol Manglona tends her “estafao pika” (spicy stew) on her way to winning 1st place at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
Festivalgoers get inked at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
Bonita Basula sells jewelry made from spondylus and other shells at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
Educational displays entertain children of all ages at the 22nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on February 14, 2026, in Tinian, Marianas.
The Marianas is an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour flight from major Asian gateway cities. From Korea Republic, Jeju Air and T’Way provide direct flights to Saipan from Seoul-Incheon. United Airlines flies three times a week from Tokyo-Narita, Japan, and daily from Guam4. Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly from Hong Kong, China. Interisland travel between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is provided by Star Marianas Air and Micronesian Air Connection Services. For more information on the Marianas. visit www.mymarianas.com, Facebook/VisitTheMarianas, or Instagram @themarianas.