San Dionisio | Saint Dionysius

San Dionisio

(Saint Dionysius)

📍 Address: San Dionisio Catholic Church, Route 2, Humåtak, Guam 96915

ABOUT SAN DIONISIO

Dates: October 18, 2026

Location: Humåtak (Umatac)

Time: 5:00 PM

Heritage on the Southwestern Bay: The Fiesta of Humåtak

Nestled perfectly around a breathtaking, crescent-shaped bay, the historic southern village of Humåtak (Umatac) celebrates its patron, San Dionisio (Saint Dionysius the Areopagite). Known as one of Guam's most historically significant municipalities, Humåtak was the ancient center of the island's Spanish colonial era and the primary port of call for the famed Manila Galleons. This late-October fiesta honors the village's enduring Catholic roots against the backdrop of ancient forts, stunning cliffsides, and the deep blue waters of the Philippine Sea.

For visitors, the Humåtak fiesta is a journey back in time. As one of the least populated and most culturally preserved villages on the island, attending this celebration offers an unparalleled, intimate look at traditional southern CHamoru hospitality and heritage.

THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH AND THE VILLAGE

Humåtak holds a profound place in both ancient CHamoru lore and recorded world history. Just up the coast lies Fouha Bay, home to Fouha Rock, which ancient CHamorus revered as the resting place of the goddess Fu'una, who created the world and the first people. Later, Humåtak Bay became the gateway for global explorers, serving as the official port for Spanish ships traveling between Acapulco and Manila.

The history of the San Dionisio parish is a story of incredible resilience. The original church was constructed of wood and palm leaves in the 1680s. It was later rebuilt with heavy coral masonry to serve the Spanish governors who maintained summer residences in the village. Tragically, a massive earthquake in 1849 completely destroyed the Spanish-era church. Today, the modern San Dionisio Church stands just a short walk away from the historic stone ruins of the old building, serving as a spiritual anchor for a community that proudly guards the island's earliest history.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: GALLEON BAY AND SOUTHERN PRIDE

The connection to the bay and the deep historical pride of the residents shape every aspect of this beautiful celebration.

The Scenic Coastal Procession

At 5:00 PM, as the southern sun begins its descent, the procession of San Dionisio begins. This is arguably one of the most picturesque procession routes on the island. Devotees carry the statue of the saint through the quiet, narrow streets that run parallel to the bay. With the historic Spanish Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad standing guard on the southern cliffside, the procession offers a visually stunning blend of faith, history, and natural beauty.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

Southern hospitality is at its absolute peak during the Humåtak fiesta.

• Bounty of the South: Because Humåtak remains deeply connected to traditional fishing and hunting, the fiesta tables are legendary. You can expect fresh, locally caught reef fish, deep-water catches like Wahoo or Mahi-Mahi, and if you are lucky, traditional southern delicacies like wild pig or venison, served alongside standard staples like Red Rice and Titiyas (flatbread).

• An Intimate Gathering: With a small, incredibly tight-knit population, the "Gupot" feels less like a public festival and more like an exclusive, deeply welcoming family reunion. Elders share legends of the galleon trade, and visitors are treated as honored guests of the bay.