Visiting Family & Friends

With Chamorros now living at various places throughout the globe - from Asia to the U.S. mainland – visiting family members and friends are a mainstay on Guam. Short vacations often allow them to reconnect with people that raised them, as well as embrace and rediscover the essence of their culture.

The Chamorro language is something that we have been striving to preserve and protect throughout the increase of ethnic mixing over the years. Today, the effort to teach Guam’s native language is present in our schools, our university, and our community. Learning the language on your home island helps fuel the dream that one day our Chamorro children will once again be able to speak fluently.

Another of the most customary efforts to carry on our culture is through old traditions. Fiestas - village-wide celebrations introduced by the Spanish in 1668 - allow residents and visitors the opportunity to experience an activity shared by our ancestors long ago. A weekend at a fiesta will remind you of the island’s hospitality and the comfort of family and friends.

You’ll find tables covered with tasty Chamorro cuisine, people dancing and singing along to the sounds of talented local artists. Fiestas have been and will always be one of the best ways to celebrate our heritage.

You can still witness families carrying on time-honored customs of christening parties, fandangos (weddings), novenas, funerals, and death-anniversary rosaries, all of which are inspired by our rich Spanish influence.

While fiestas symbolize our Chamorro heritage, the annual Liberation Day Parade held annually on July 21 serves as a symbol of freedom for Chamorro people. Marine Corps Drive, the annual parade site, is where families and friends line the streets to watch floats and marching groups celebrate the island’s liberation from Japanese forces in WWII. Accompanied by local food, music, and entertainment, the parade is our sign of the promise of independence. There are also numerous monuments located throughout the island dedicated to depicting the events of WWII on Guam.

Predominantly Catholic, Guam residents celebrate a procession in honor of Santa Marian Kamalen, the island’s patron saint, on Dec. 8 each year. The streets of Hagåtña are filled with Catholics celebrating the tradition of a faith and culture that has existed on Guam for decades. Adults and children use this day to honor the faith that continues to unite Chamorros.