Northern Mariana Islands’ Chamorro culture is heavily influenced by Spanish, Germans, and Japanese, as well as American cultures and lifestyles. The Carolinian culture is very similar to the Chamorro culture with respect being a very important aspect. The Carolinian culture can be traced back to Yap and Chuuk, which are the Carolinians' origins.
General etiquette
Respect is an important aspect of Chamorro culture here are a few things you should note in terms of general etiquette. It is important to greet elders when you meet them. A greeting can be by a handshake, a nod, a bow, or a kiss on the hand. Being a largely Christian island, it is important to dress modestly, especially around elderly people.
Religion
A large majority of Chamorros and Carolinians practice Catholicism because of the Spanish Missionary work. The Japanese occupation of the Islands contributed to the introduction of Buddhism. The United States occupation also brought Protestantism. Other people practice traditional folk religion. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives 2015 census, the religious composition of the Northern Mariana Islands was as follows:
Catholics 38.3%, protestants 14.7%, Pentecostal 3.2%, other unknown Christians 25%, Mahayana Buddhists 10.5%, Chinese Fok Religion, other religionists 3.2%, none religious groups 1.1%, and 0.1% are unknown.
Food and cuisine
Northern Mariana Islands cuisines show a combination of traditional Chamorrian cuisine, Spanish cuisine, and Asian cuisine, international and American cuisine. Popular dishes include:
- Escabeche- this a common dish in Filipino and Latin American cuisine but has over the years also been enjoyed in the Northern Mariana Islands. It is made up of fried fish topped with a vinegar-based sauce which can either be sweet or sour, as well as sliced vegetables.
- KELAGUEN- this is one of the most famous Mariana dishes. The dish is steeped in a marinade combining lemon juice, onions, local hot peppers, salt, grated coconut, seafood, and beef, chicken to give it its flavor. Chicken is the most popular meat chosen in kelaguen and tastes the best when barbequed beforehand. Octopus or squid and shrimp are other versions of this dish.
- Estufao- it is a dish made with chicken, pork, or a combination of both. The meat is cooked in vinegar and soy sauce until it gets soft and tender and very aromatic.
- Beef Tinaktak- this is a dish made out of steak or ground lean beef. It is cooked in a coconut broth with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It can be eaten with rice.
- Motsiyas- this is a meat dish found in Rota and made up of ground chicken, lemon juice, hot pepper leaves, and mint seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Red Rice- this is a staple and a necessary part of a meal at any party or gathering as has been for years for the Chamorro people. The rice gets its color from achote.These achote seeds are soaked in water and the rice is then cooked in this water giving it a deep red color. Other ingredients used include onions and garlic which brings a wonderfully subtle earthiness to the rice.
Music
The music of the Northern Mariana Islands is mostly dominated by Chamorros folk music. However, traces of American, German, Japanese, and Spanish influences on Northern Mariana Islands’ music are evident. Fiestan Luta is an annual music festival held in northern Mariana.
Sport
Team sports are quite popular on the islands. Basketball and mixed martial arts are also popular in the islands. The Northern Mariana Islands hosted the 2009 Oceania Basketball Tournament. Other sports include Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, tennis, soccer, outrigger sailing, softball, beach volleyball, rugby, golf, boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, track and field, Swimming, Triathlon, and American football.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
