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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.
