Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day in Guam

A holiday grounded in Guam’s history

Guam law describes the day as commemorating the discovery of Guam by Europeans. The island’s history begins much earlier: Indigenous CHamoru people arrived more than 4,000 years ago, and Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in 1521 marked a later turning point. The holiday therefore links the history of European contact with a month focused on Guam’s Indigenous culture and heritage.[1][4]

The first day of Mes CHamoru

The law designates all of March as Mes CHamoru and sets the month’s first Monday aside for commemorative activities. It calls for cultural and civic events that reflect public sentiment, support the study and preservation of CHamoru culture, and renew commitment to a free political system. The governor is authorized to issue annual proclamations and appoint a planning committee, or designate civic organizations to arrange activities.[1]

The law also calls on residents to display Guam’s flag at home or another suitable place. In a Governor’s Office message, residents were encouraged to share Guam’s history with children and to uphold values described as respect, reciprocity, community and love.[1][2]

What the holiday means for visitors

Guam’s statutory holiday list names the first Monday of March as Guam History and CHamoru Heritage Day. The law says that when a listed holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the government of Guam follows the federal government’s practice for that holiday.[1]

The Judiciary of Guam includes the holiday in its holiday schedule, so travelers who need court services should check the judiciary’s schedule before visiting. The legal designation does not establish whether banks, shops, restaurants or buses will operate; check each provider directly for its holiday hours.[2][3]