Dulce Nombre de Maria

(Sweet Name of Mary)

📍 Address: Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, 207 Archbishop FC Flores St, Hagåtña, Guam 96910

ABOUT DULCE NOMBRE DE MARIA

Dates: September 12, 2026

Location: Hagåtña (Agana)

Time: 5:00 PM

The Mother Church: The Fiesta of Hagåtña

In the historic capital city of Hagåtña, the island comes together to celebrate the feast of the Dulce Nombre de Maria (Sweet Name of Mary). As the seat of the Archdiocese of Agaña and the historical center of Guam, this fiesta holds unparalleled island-wide significance. It is a grand celebration honoring the establishment of the very first Catholic church on the island over 350 years ago.

For visitors, attending the fiesta in Hagåtña offers a majestic and deeply historical experience. Surrounded by the ancient remnants of the Plaza de España and the modern government buildings, the celebration bridges Guam's long Spanish-era history with its vibrant present.

THE HISTORY OF THE CATHEDRAL-BASILICA

The history of the Dulce Nombre de Maria parish is effectively the foundational history of Catholicism in the Mariana Islands. The very first Catholic church on Guam was constructed on this exact site in Hagåtña in 1669, spearheaded by the Jesuit missionary Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. The construction was supported by Queen Regent Maria Ana of Spain (for whom the Mariana Islands are named), and the church was appropriately dedicated to the "Sweet Name of Mary."

Through centuries of typhoons, earthquakes, and the devastating bombardments of World War II that completely leveled the ancient city of Agana, the cathedral has been repeatedly rebuilt by the CHamoru people. In 1985, it was officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. Today, the majestic Cathedral-Basilica stands as the mother church of Guam and houses the revered statue of Santa Marian Kamalen (Our Lady of Camarin), the island's supreme patroness.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: GRANDEUR AND HERITAGE

Because Hagåtña is the capital city and the seat of the Archbishop, this fiesta is celebrated with a distinct level of solemnity and grandeur.

The Grand Procession

At 5:00 PM, the grand procession makes its way through the historic central streets of Hagåtña. It is one of the most prominent processions of the year, often attended by island dignitaries, clergy from across the island's parishes, and a massive congregation of the faithful. Devotees process around the historic downtown blocks, passing the Plaza de España, the Guam Museum, and Skinner Plaza, visually intertwining the island's faith with its civic heart.

The Capital "Gupot" (Party)

Following the Mass and procession, the "Gupot" takes place in the heart of the capital, usually on the sprawling church grounds or nearby academy courtyards.

• A Feast for the Island: Because the Cathedral serves as a central hub for the entire island, the fiesta spread is massive. It features the absolute best of traditional CHamoru cuisine, with endless lines of Red Rice, Kelaguen, roasted pig (Lechon), and an array of local desserts like Låtiya (vanilla custard sponge cake).

• Historic Fellowship: The atmosphere in Hagåtña feels like a grand reunion for all of Guam. Gathering under the shadow of the beautiful basilica and the surrounding Spanish-era architecture, residents and visitors alike share in the profound cultural pride and deep-rooted faith that has defined the Marianas for centuries.