Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day

The Chamorros, Guam’s indigenous people, settled the island approximately 4,000 years ago. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to visit the island on March 6, 1521.

Guam History & Chamorro Heritage Day (on first Monday in March) will kick off Chamorro Month festivities.

Bill No. 286-32: relative to establishing Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day as a legal holiday of the government of Guam. (T. Morrison / V.A. Ada / C.M. Duenas / F.B. Aguon, Jr. / B.T. Mc Creadie. An act to amend §1001 of 1GCA relative to estavlishing Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day as a legal holiday on Guam.)

Senator Tommy Morrison. March 2, 2014:

At the request of Senator Tommy Morrison, last Wednesday, acting Governor Ray Tenorio signed an executive order declaring Monday a government holiday. The executive order states, ‘not a single day among the 11 holidays is dedicated to the commemoration of our history and the celebration of our culture and heritage.”

The movement to reinstate a March holiday celebrating history and heritage began in December when Senator Tommy Morrison introduced Bill 238-32, reinstating the Discovery Day holiday. “After further receiving feedback from the public and consulting the administration, the name has been changed to ‘Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day,’” Morrison said.

“While the name has been changed, the essence of Bill 238-32 remains intact - Guam, once again, has a day set aside to celebrate and discover Guam’s rich history and culture. This Monday, the people of Guam will once again pause to reflect on and discover our island’s rich history, heritage, and culture,” Morrison said.

Morrison said the public should use the day to educate youth and visitors. “When our community pauses for a holiday, our youth and visitors will naturally ask the question, ‘What is Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day?’ and with this question begins the opportunity to educate. Holidays and activities that center around them, naturally teach and create forums of discussion conducive to education.”

Source: guam.gov | senatormorrison.com

In 2016 Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day in USA falls on March 7.