Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Month, or simply Mes Chamoru, is the time of year when the Guam community celebrates and reflects on the island’s history, heritage and native culture. Mes Chamoru is a month-long celebration filled with exciting special events and fun activities that showcase the best of Guam’s food, culture and Hafa Adai spirit. Mes Chamoru kicks off with Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day, which falls on the first Monday in the month of March every year.
Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day is a national public holiday on Guam that commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of Guam by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. When Ferdinand Magellan landed on Guam on March 6, 1521, the event marked the first European contact with the native Chamorro people and the beginning of Guam's recorded history.
The biggest Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day celebration is hosted in one of the island’s most scenic and historic southern villages, the village of Umatac. This year’s Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day Festival will be held over two weekends: February 26~28 and March 4~7, 2016.
The Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day Festival is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with locals and learn about the historical value, rich culture and traditions of the Chamorro people through cultural exhibitions, demonstrations, heritage walking tours, and a theatrical re-enactment of the landing of Ferdinand Magellan in Umatac Bay. The Festival will feature food and game booths, a ferris wheel and other carnival rides, motocross and jet ski racing events, sports and cultural competitions, local artists, dancers and musicians, fireworks, and a special musical performance by Hawaiian musician Baba B.
Set aside a day and come join us in Umatac as we celebrate Guam’s rich history and culture at the Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day Festival. Biba Mes Chamorro! Celebrate Chamorro Month!