Saipan — The 80th Liberation Day Festivities, postponed by Typhoon Bavi, will be held Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 at the Civic Center in Susupe, the 2026 Liberation Day Committee announced.
Festival grounds will be open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. The opening ceremony begins at 4 p.m. Friday, followed by cultural performances and live entertainment.
The 80th Liberation Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 22, starting at Quarter Master Road and ending at the festival grounds in Susupe. Parade floats will compete for cash prizes of $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. The committee said information on road closures, traffic advisories and spectator viewing areas will be announced in the coming weeks.
Originally scheduled for July 3 and 4, the celebration commemorates the liberation of the Commonwealth and honors the reopening of Camp Susupe and Camp Chalan Kanoa on July 4, 1946, when Chamorro and Carolinian families were permitted to return home following World War II. This year’s festivities will feature cultural performances, local entertainment, amusement rides and games, and food and retail vendors.
“This year’s postponement reminded us that our community’s greatest strength is its resilience,” said Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho. “As we move forward together, we are grateful for the patience and support shown by our residents. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a celebration that honors our past while celebrating the spirit, unity, and resilience of our island community.”
Liberation Day Committee Chairwoman Frances T. Santos thanked the community for its patience.
“This year’s events have reminded us of the true meaning behind our theme, ‘Together We Rise. Together We Stand,'” Santos said. “Although our celebration was unexpectedly postponed, our commitment and enthusiasm for honoring this historic milestone have only grown stronger.”
No new applications for vendor and concessionaire spaces are being accepted. The committee will proceed with the lineup established before the postponement, including only those confirmed by the original June 22 application deadline. Businesses interested in sponsorship can contact Sponsorship Sub-Chairwoman Jeanette Sarabia at 2026.liberation@gmail.com.
