Santa Ana

(Saint Anne)

📍 Address: Santa Ana Chapel, W Santa Ana Rd, Hågat, Guam 96915

ABOUT SANTA ANA

Dates: July 25, 2026

Location: Hågat (Agat)

Time: 5:00 PM

Faith in the Southern Foothills: The Fiesta of Santa Ana

In the beautiful southern coastal village of Hågat (formerly Agat), the community gathers for a deeply traditional and localized celebration honoring Santa Ana (Saint Anne), the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. While the village's primary Catholic church is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, this specific late-summer fiesta is intimately tied to the historic Santa Ana Chapel.

For visitors, the Santa Ana fiesta offers a wonderful alternative to the larger, busier island festivals. Tucked away from Hågat's commercial center and scenic Route 2, the celebration at the chapel provides a peaceful, grassroots experience. It is a rare opportunity to witness a beloved spiritual tradition preserved directly by local families.

THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPEL

The devotion to Santa Ana in Hågat is an enduring testament to the island's agricultural and family-centric roots. The original Santa Ana Chapel was built in the 1950s by local residents and was officially dedicated in 1968. Unlike the main parish, this sacred space is uniquely maintained by the Santa Ana Lancheros Association of Hågat—a group honoring the legacy of the "lancheros" (ranchers) who historically farmed the lands of the south. Demonstrating their unyielding commitment to their faith and heritage, the community successfully rebuilt the chapel, celebrating its consecration with a dedication ceremony on July 11, 2008.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: RANCHING ROOTS AND REVERENCE

Because this celebration is anchored by an association rooted in the area's history of ranching and farming, the fiesta feels incredibly authentic and deeply tied to the land.

The Chapel Procession

At 5:00 PM, the procession begins near the chapel grounds. The faithful walk through the quiet, residential areas surrounded by the natural beauty and palm trees of Hågat's landscape. Devotees honor the grandmother of Jesus, traditionally offering prayers for families, grandparents, and the safe guidance of the younger generation.

The Lanchero "Gupot" (Party)

Since this is a chapel-specific fiesta rather than a village-wide parish event, the gathering is intimate and highly welcoming.

• Hearty Harvest: Honoring the agricultural roots of the lancheros who maintain the chapel, the fiesta table often features an abundance of locally grown root crops like taro and yams, alongside hearty, savory meats and stews.

• Southern Hospitality: Hågat is widely known as the commercial center and western gateway to the south, but the "Gupot" here is pure, traditional hospitality. Expect live local music, the sharing of multi-generational family stories, and the undeniable warmth of a tight-knit village community.