Columbus Day in Guam
Columbus Day follows the second Monday in October on the calendar used by the District Court of Guam, the federal court on the island. Guam’s own Judiciary publishes a separate holiday list that does not include the day, so office closures depend on which institution you need to visit.[1][2]
Date and status
Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October under the District Court of Guam’s court-holiday schedule. The federal court lists the day alongside Guam-specific holidays, including Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day and Guam Liberation Day.[1]
The Judiciary of Guam publishes its own list of holidays. Columbus Day is not among the holidays on its published list, so the federal court’s schedule should not be taken as a territory-wide closure notice.[2]
A federal holiday on a Chamorro island
Columbus Day is a United States federal holiday associated with Christopher Columbus. Guam’s connection to the observance is institutional: the District Court of Guam follows the federal court holiday calendar. Guam’s history and identity have a different local context: the Guam Visitors Bureau describes the island as a U.S. territory with ancient CHamoru heritage, and notes Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in 1521.[1][3]
The Bureau describes Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day as a local occasion and outlines CHamoru food and cultural traditions, but does not connect those customs to Columbus Day.[3]
What to expect on the island
For practical planning, check the specific office before visiting. The District Court of Guam lists Columbus Day among its court holidays, while the Judiciary of Guam’s published list does not; these schedules show that the two courts do not share the same holiday calendar.[1][2]
Check opening arrangements with banks, shops, restaurants, military bases and the post office, and check transport services before you travel. Guam Visitors Bureau describes local favourites such as red rice, chicken kelaguen and barbecue as part of the island’s food scene, but not as holiday-specific fare.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Columbus Day in Guam?
It falls on the second Monday in October on the District Court of Guam’s court-holiday schedule.[1]
Is Columbus Day a day off across Guam?
Will shops, restaurants, banks, or buses be open?
Check with the shops, restaurants, banks and transport services you plan to use before making plans.
Sources and references
Sources used for Columbus Day in Guam:
- Court Holidays- District Court of Guam
- Judiciary Hours & Holidays- Judiciary of Guam
- About Guam | Guam Travel Guide to Culture & Nature- Guam Visitors Bureau