NAURU – History was made this week as Atiterentaai Rinimarawa of Kiribati was crowned the first-ever Miss Micronesia, marking a proud milestone in regional unity and cultural expression at the inaugural Micronesia Musical Festival and Miss Micronesia Pageant in Nauru.
The four-day festival, held from October 6–9, 2025, brought together artists, cultural leaders, and representatives from across the Micronesian region under the theme “We are Micronesia! Navigating our legacy; Charting our future.”
Nauru’s Minister for Cultural Heritage, Charmaine Scotty, said the event showcased the shared strength and identity of Micronesian peoples.
“Micronesian people have a deep-rooted connection to their ancestral traditions, and this is an opportunity for us to come together in unity,” Scotty said. “Storytelling is at the centre of Micronesian culture, and both our artists and pageant contestants are keeping this tradition alive.”
Festival director Livingstone Hiram described the gathering as “a celebration of culture, community, and resilience,” where each nation’s art and performance honored a shared oceanic heritage.
More than 20 artists from Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap, and the Northern Mariana Islands performed during the event, blending traditional and contemporary artistry.
The Miss Micronesia Pageant featured representatives from across the region, including Charlei Deiye (Nauru), Claret Taonang Chongum (Marshall Islands), and Atiterentaai Rinimarawa (Kiribati), who won the title with her eloquence, cultural knowledge, and commitment to youth empowerment.
Following her win, messages of pride and congratulations flooded social media. One tribute read:
“History made! Congratulations to Atiterentaai Rinimarawa, Miss Kiribati, on being crowned Miss Micronesia of the Pacific 2025! Your grace, confidence, and dedication have made Kiribati proud and inspired the entire Pacific community. Ko bati n raba n am Tokanikai ao Tekeraoi n kanoan waam nako!”
Her victory was celebrated across Micronesia as a moment of collective pride, symbolizing the strength of women’s leadership and cultural resilience in the region.
The New Atoll 
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