1. Liberation Day: Celebrated on July 21st, Liberation Day commemorates the day in 1944 when American forces liberated Guam from Japanese occupation during World War II. The celebrations include parades, fireworks, cultural performances, and a carnival atmosphere.
2. All Souls' Day: Celebrated on November 2nd, All Souls' Day is a Catholic holiday that honors the dead. In Guam, families visit cemeteries to clean the graves of their loved ones and leave flowers or candles as offerings.
3. Santa Marian Kamalen: Celebrated on December 8th, Santa Marian Kamalen (Our Lady of Camarin) is the patron saint of Guam. The celebration includes a procession through the streets with a statue of the Virgin Mary, traditional dances, and feasting.
4. Christmas: As in many other parts of the world, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in Guam with decorated trees, gift-giving, and gatherings with family and friends.
5. New Year's Eve: Guam celebrates New Year's Eve with fireworks displays, parties, and countdowns to midnight.
6. Easter: Easter is an important religious holiday in Guam, marked by Masses and processions. Some people also participate in traditional Chamorro Lenten practices, such as abstaining from meat on Fridays.
7. Thanksgiving: Although not an official holiday in Guam, many island residents celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast of turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings.
Guam experiences two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season (December to February): This is the peak season where visitors flock to Guam to escape the winter weather in other parts of the world. During this time, hotel rates and airfare tend to be higher, and popular attractions and restaurants can be crowded. It is recommended that visitors book accommodations and activities well in advance.
2. Low Season (June to August): This is the off-season when fewer tourists visit Guam due to the hot and humid weather. However, this can be a great time to visit for those who do not mind the heat, as hotel rates and airfare tend to be lower, and there are fewer crowds at popular attractions. It is recommended that visitors stay hydrated and use sunscreen when exploring the island during this time.
It should be noted that Guam's weather is tropical year-round, with temperatures averaging around 80°F (27°C), and occasional rain showers throughout the year.
Citizens of certain countries may require a visa to enter Guam. Here are some special visa rules for Guam:
1. Citizens of China, Russia, and most African nations require a visa to enter Guam.
2. Nationals of the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan do not require a visa to enter Guam for stays up to 45 days.
3. Citizens of the United States, including U.S. nationals and U.S. permanent residents, do not need a visa to enter Guam.
The cost of obtaining a visa for Guam can vary depending on the applicant's country of citizenship and the type of visa being sought. However, as an AI language model, I don't have access to the most up-to-date information regarding the cost of visa processing. It is recommended that applicants check with their local embassy or consulate to obtain the latest information on visa requirements and costs.
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Guam, along with their average prices and where to buy them:
1. Chamorro jewelry - $20 to $100+ USD - Look for authentic handcrafted pieces at specialty shops like The Guam Art Boutique or Guam Reflections.
2. Chamorro snacks & treats - $5 to $10+ USD - Find unique flavors of Guam's local snacks, such as Tinala Katne (dried beef), Apigigi (coconut candy), and Rosketti (biscuits) at convenience stores or tourist markets.
3. Latte stones replicas - $10 to $50+ USD - Buy miniature replicas of Guam's historic landmarks featuring the ancient stone pillars called latte stones at souvenir shops or cultural centers.
4. Chamorro t-shirts & apparel - $15 to $30+ USD - Find colorful and creative designs with cultural motifs at Guam Premier Outlets or Chamorro Village Night Market.
5. Local coffee blends - $10 to $25+ USD - Try a blend of Guam's locally grown coffee at infusions or Java Junction.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the store and product quality.
Guam, what a fantastic place to be! There are so many things for you to do and see in this beautiful part of the world. Here's a one-week itinerary that I recommend:
Day 1: Start your trip by visiting Tumon Bay Beach. It's one of the most popular beaches on the island and is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. Take a dip in the ocean or just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Day 2: Visit the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. This park is dedicated to the events of World War II that took place in the Pacific. You can explore the different exhibits and learn more about the role that Guam played during the war.
Day 3: Take a trip to Two Lovers Point. This is a scenic lookout point that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. It's a romantic spot that's perfect for couples, but it's also great for solo travelers who want to take some amazing photos.
Day 4: Explore Ritidian Point. This area is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty on the island. You can hike through the forest and see the native wildlife, or you can just relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.
Day 5: Visit the Guam Museum. This museum tells the story of Guam, from its earliest history to the present day. You can see exhibits on the island's culture, art, and history, and there's even a planetarium where you can learn about the stars and planets.
Day 6: Take a trip to Apra Harbor. This is a beautiful harbor that's surrounded by lush green hills. You can take a boat tour or just walk around and enjoy the view. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.
Day 7: Finish your trip by visiting Inarajan Natural Pool. This is a beautiful natural pool that's surrounded by lush jungle and cliffs. You can swim in the crystal-clear water or just relax on the rocks and enjoy the scenery.
Overall, this itinerary will give you a taste of everything that Guam has to offer. From beautiful beaches to historic landmarks and stunning natural beauty, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip!
Of course! It would be my pleasure to suggest an exciting two-week itinerary for you. Guam is a beautiful island in the western Pacific Ocean, with so much to see and do. Here are some suggestions:
Week 1:
Day 1-2: Visit Tumon Bay Beach. This stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Day 3-4: Explore the Cocos Island. This tiny island is just a short boat ride from Guam and has great diving spots where you can see colorful fish and coral reefs.
Day 5-6: Take a day trip to Ritidian Beach, which is located on the northernmost tip of Guam. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the ocean.
Day 7: Visit the War in the Pacific National Historical Park. This park commemorates the battles fought in Guam during World War II and provides a unique insight into the island's history.
Week 2:
Day 8-9: Hike to Mount Lam Lam, Guam's highest peak. The trail is not too difficult and offers breathtaking views of the island.
Day 10-11: Visit the Two Lovers Point, a popular tourist attraction that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Day 12-13: Go on a cultural tour of the island. This will give you an opportunity to learn about the Chamorro culture and traditions, try local food, and visit historical sites.
Day 14: Spend your last day relaxing at the beach and soaking in the beauty of Guam.
I recommend these places because they offer a mix of adventure, nature, and culture. Each place has its own unique charm and will give you a different perspective of Guam. Whether you like hiking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone. These places will allow you to explore Guam's beauty and learn about its rich history and culture.
The culture of Guam is a reflection of traditional Chamoru customs, in combination with American, Spanish and Mexican traditions. Post-European-contact Chamoru Guamanian culture is a combination of American, Spanish, Filipino, other Micronesian Islander and Mexican traditions. Few indigenous pre-Hispanic customs remained following Spanish contact, but include plaiting and pottery. There has been a resurgence of interest among the Chamoru to preserve the language and culture.
Hispanic influences are manifested in the local language, music, dance, sea navigation, cuisine, fishing, games (such as, , , and ), songs, and fashion. The island's original community are Chamorro natives, who have inhabited Guam for almost 4000 years. They had their own language related to the languages of Indonesia and southeast Asia. The Spanish later called them Chamorros. A derivative of the word, Chamorri, means "noble race". They began to grow rice on the island.
Historically, the native people of Guam venerated the bones of their ancestors. They kept the skulls in their houses in small baskets, and practiced incantations before them when it was desired to attain certain objects. During Spanish rule (1668–1898) the majority of the population was converted to Catholicism and religious festivities such as Easter and Christmas became widespread. Many Chamorus have Spanish surnames, although few of the inhabitants are themselves descended from the Spaniards. Instead, Spanish names and surnames became commonplace after their conversion to Catholicism and the imposition of the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos in Guam.
Historically, the diet of the native inhabitants of Guam consisted of fish, fowl, rice, breadfruit, taro, yams, bananas, and coconuts used in a variety of dishes. Post-contact Chamoru cuisine is largely based on corn, and includes tortillas, tamales, atole, and chilaquiles, which are a clear influence from Mesoamerica, principally Mexico, from Spanish trade with Asia.
Due to foreign cultural influence from Spain, most aspects of the early indigenous culture have been lost, though there has been a resurgence in preserving any remaining pre-Hispanic culture in the last few decades. Some scholars have traveled throughout the Pacific Islands, conducting research to study what the original Chamoru cultural practices such as dance, language, and canoe building may have been like.
Guam's most popular sport is American football, followed by basketball and baseball respectively. Soccer, Jiu Jitsu, and Rugby are also somewhat popular. Guam hosted the Pacific Games in 1975 and 1999. At the 2007 Games, Guam finished 7th of 22 countries in the medal count, and 14th at the 2011 Games.
Guam men's national basketball team and the women's team are traditional powerhouses in the Oceania region, behind the Australia men's national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team. , the men's team is the reigning champion of the Pacific Games Basketball Tournament. Guam is home to various basketball organizations, including the Guam Basketball Association.
The Guam national football team was founded in 1975 and joined FIFA in 1996. It was once considered one of FIFA's weakest teams, and experienced their first victory over a FIFA-registered side in 2009. Guam hosted qualifying games on the island for the first time in 2015 and, in 2018, clinched their first FIFA World Cup Qualifying win. The Guam national rugby union team played its first match in 2005 and has never qualified for a Rugby World Cup.
As an aspect of cultural revival, sling competitions are also being organized on Guam. As a national pastime of cultural import, the ovoid shape on Guamian flag is that of a sling stone.
Guam, along with the Mariana Islands, were the first islands settled by humans in Remote Oceania. It was also the first and the longest of the ocean-crossing voyages of the Austronesian peoples, and is separate from the later Polynesian settlement of the rest of Remote Oceania. They were first settled around 1500 to 1400 BC, by migrants departing from the Philippines. This was followed by a second migration from the Caroline Islands in the first millennium AD. A third migration wave took place from Island Southeast Asia, likely the Philippines or eastern Indonesia, by 900 AD.
These original settlers of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands evolved into the Chamoru people, historically known as Chamorros after first contact with the Spaniards. The ancient Chamoru society had four classes: (chiefs), (upper class), (middle class), and (lower class). The were located in the coastal villages, which meant they had the best access to fishing grounds. The were located in the island's interior. and rarely communicated with each other. The often used as intermediaries.
There were also "" or "", shamans with magical powers and "'" or "", healers who used different kinds of plants and natural materials to make medicine. Belief in spirits of ancient Chamorus called "" still persists as a remnant of pre-European culture. It is believed that "" or "" are the only ones who can safely harvest plants and other natural materials from their homes or "" without incurring the wrath of the "." Their society was organized along matrilineal clans.
The Chamoru people raised colonnades of megalithic capped pillars called upon which they built their homes. Latte stones are stone pillars that are found only in the Mariana Islands. They are a recent development in Pre-Contact Chamoru society. The latte-stone was used as a foundation on which thatched huts were built. Latte stones consist of a base shaped from limestone called the and with a capstone, or, made either from a large brain coral or limestone, placed on top. A possible source for these stones, the Rota Latte Stone Quarry, was discovered in 1925 on Rota.
The first European to travel to Guam was Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for the King of Spain, when he sighted the island on March 6, 1521, during his fleet's circumnavigation of the globe. Despite Magellan's visit, Guam was not officially claimed by Spain until January 26, 1565, by Miguel López de Legazpi. From 1565 to 1815, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, the only Spanish outposts in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, were reprovisioning stops for the Manila galleons, a fleet that covered the Pacific trade route between Acapulco and Manila.
Spanish colonization commenced on June 15, 1668, with the arrival of a mission led by Diego Luis de San Vitores, who established the first Catholic church. The islands were part of the Spanish East Indies, and part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, based in Mexico City. The Spanish-Chamorro Wars on Guam began in 1670 over growing tensions with the Jesuit mission, with the last large-scale uprising in 1683.
Intermittent warfare, plus the typhoons of 1671 and 1693, and in particular the smallpox epidemic of 1688, reduced the Chamoru population from 50,000 to 10,000, and finally to less than 5,000. Up until the late 19th century, Guam was encountered by adventurers and pirates, including Thomas Cavendish, Olivier van Noort, John Eaton, William Dampier, Woodes Rogers, John Clipperton, George Shelvocke and William "Bully" Hayes.
The island became a rest stop for whalers starting in 1823. A devastating typhoon struck the island on August 10, 1848, followed by a severe earthquake on January 25, 1849, which resulted in many refugees from the Caroline Islands, victims of a resultant tsunami. After a smallpox epidemic killed 3,644 Guamanians in 1856, Carolinians and Japanese were permitted to settle in the Marianas.
After almost four centuries as part of the Kingdom of Spain, the United States occupied the island following Spain's defeat in the 1898 Spanish–American War, as part of the Treaty of Paris of 1898. Guam was transferred to the United States Navy control on December 23, 1898, by Executive Order 108-A from 25th President William McKinley.
Guam was a station for American merchants and warships traveling to and from the Philippines, which was another American acquisition from Spain, while the Northern Mariana Islands were sold by Spain to Germany for part of its rapidly expanding German Empire. A U.S. Navy yard was established at Piti in 1899. A United States Marine Corps barracks was established at Sumay in 1901.
A marine seaplane unit was stationed in Sumay from 1921 to 1930, the first in the Pacific. The Commercial Pacific Cable Company built a telegraph/telephone station in 1903 for the first trans-Pacific communications cable, followed by Pan American World Airways establishing a seaplane base at Sumay for its trans-Pacific China Clipper route.
On 10 December 1914 the SMS Cormoran or SMS Cormoran II a German armed merchant raider was forced to seek port at Apra Harbor on the U.S. territory of Guam after running short on coal. The United States, which was neutral at the time refused to supply provisions sufficient for the Cormoran to make a German port so the ship and her crew were interned until 1917.
On the morning of April 7, 1917 word reached Guam by telegraph cable that the U.S. Congress had declared war on Germany. The Naval Governor of Guam, Roy Campbell Smith, sent two officers to inform the Cormoran that a state of war existed between the two countries, that the crew were now prisoners of war, and that the ship must be surrendered. Meanwhile, the USS Supply blocked the entrance to Apra Harbor to prevent any attempt to flee. In a separate boat, the two officers were accompanied by a barge commanded by Lt. W.A. Hall, who was designated prize master, and had brought 18 sailors and 15 Marines from the barracks at Sumay.
Seeing a launch from Cormoran hauling a barge of supplies back shore, Hall ordered shots fired across the bow of the launch until it hove to. Meanwhile, the two officers reached Cormoran and informed Captain Adalbert Zuckschwerdt of the situation. Zuckschwerdt agreed to surrender his crew but refused to turn over the ship. The U.S. officers informed Zuckschwerdt that the Cormoran would be treated as an enemy combatant and left to inform Governor Smith of the situation. Unbeknownst to the Americans, the Germans had secreted an explosive device in the ship's coal bunker. Minutes after the Americans left, an explosion aboard Cormoran hurled debris across the harbor and her crew began abandoning ship. The two American boats and USS Supply immediately began to recover German sailors from the water, saving all but seven of the roughly 370 Cormoran crew. This incident, including the warning shots against the launch, accounted for the first violent action of the United States in World War I, first shots fired by the U.S. against Germany in World War I, the first German prisoners of war captured by the U.S., and the first Germans killed in action by the U.S. in World War I.
During World War II, the Empire of Japan attacked and invaded in the 1941 Battle of Guam on December 8, at the same time as the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese renamed Guam Ōmiya-jima (Great Shrine Island). The Japanese occupation of Guam lasted about 31 months. During this period, the indigenous people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, family separation, incarceration, execution, concentration camps, and forced prostitution.
Approximately 1,000 people died during the occupation, according to later US Congressional committee testimony in 2004. Some historians estimate that war violence killed 10% of Guam's then 20,000 population. The United States returned and fought the 1944 Battle of Guam from July 21 to August 10, to recapture the island. July 21 is now a territorial holiday, Liberation Day.
After World War II, the Guam Organic Act of 1950 established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, provided for the structure of the island's civilian government, and granted the people U.S. citizenship. The Governor of Guam was federally appointed until 1968 when the Guam Elective Governor Act provided for the office's popular election. Since Guam is not a U.S. state, U.S. citizens residing on Guam are not allowed to vote for president and their congressional representative is a non-voting member.
They do, however, vote for party delegates in presidential primaries. In 1969, a referendum on unification with the Northern Mariana Islands was held and rejected. During the 1970s, Dr. Maryly Van Leer Peck started an engineering program, expanded University of Guam, and founded Guam Community College. In the same period, Alby Mangels, Australian adventurer and filmmaker of World Safari visited Guam during his six-year escapade on the leg of his voyage through the Pacific aboard the Klaraborg.
The removal of Guam's security clearance by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 allowed for the development of a tourism industry. When the United States closed U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay and Clark Air Base bases in the Philippines after the expiration of their leases in the early 1990s, many of the forces stationed there were relocated to Guam.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis, which hit Japan particularly hard, severely affected Guam's tourism industry. Military cutbacks in the 1990s also disrupted the island's economy. Economic recovery was further hampered by devastation from Supertyphoons Paka in 1997 and Pongsona in 2002, as well as the effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks on tourism.