Hafa adai,
This March is CHamoru Month. The event commemorates the landing of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew in Guam, which marked the transition from ancient society to Western influence. This event took place in March 1521, and as a result, the Guam government has designated March as CHamoru Month every year. It is a month to trace the transformation from ancient to modern Guam, focusing on the CHamoru culture, which is still deeply rooted in the lives of the people of Guam, while also working to preserve this culture that has been gradually fading over time.
From February 28 (Friday) to March 3 (Monday), the annual “Guam Historical CHamoru Heritage Day Festival” was held in the village of Humåtak in the southwestern part of the island.
The place where Magellan’s crew landed in Guam is still debated, but the most widely accepted theory is that it was Humåtak Bay in Humåtak Village. This photo shows the monument commemorating Magellan’s landing, located in Humåtak Bay.
It is said that the Spanish fleet appeared in the calm waters of Humåtak Bay, and the festival’s main event is a reenactment of this historical moment. While the reenactment is the same every year, many people who are interested in their roots, as well as the history and culture of Guam, gather in large numbers. The event is held on the first weekend of March every year, featuring food trucks, fun activities, and CHamoru dance performances. If you’re interested, be sure to visit next year. And when you do, renting a car is helpful!
The CHamoru Village Night Market, held every Wednesday evening, is also a popular spot for tourists to easily and enjoyably experience various aspects of CHamoru culture.
At the market, you can enjoy CHamoru dance shows on stage, indulge in hearty barbecues and CHamoru dishes, admire traditional accessories made from shells, animal bones, and wood, and watch cheerful people dancing to the music. All of these elements represent the evolution of CHamoru culture from ancient to modern Guam, while also celebrating the new expressions of the culture.
Throughout March, various events celebrating CHamoru culture take place across the island. Tourists may encounter some of these events during their visits. If you’re in Guam, be sure to experience CHamoru culture and create wonderful memories that are truly unique to Guam.