Umatålaf
2025
Volume VII Issue III
Phases of i pilan Umatålaf
Guampedia is a non-profit affiliate of the University of Guam with operations funded by the Government of Guam’s Tourism Attraction Fund.
Sinåhi
Waxing Moon Arpil 5
Pulan Gualåffon Full Moon
April 13
Kuatto Konsiente Waning Moon April 21
Homhom i Pilan New Moon
April 28
Lunar phases sourced from timeanddate.com Instagram: @guampedia Facebook: Guampedia Phone: 671.734.0217 Email: guampedia@gmail.com Mailing Address: 303 University Drive UOG Station, House #3 Mangilao GU 96923
Dancers from Guma’ Nina’en Acho Latte performing at Humåtak. Photo courtesy of Joe Quinata.
A History of Mes CHamoru The Evolution of a New Tradition
As we bring this season of celebrating our heritage, traditions, and stories as the native people of the Marianas to a close, we want to take some time to think about the origins and evolution of Mes CHamoru. What initially started as a day to commemorate the date that Magellan first landed in the Marianas has evolved into a month-long celebration of everything from CHamoru/ Chamorro language, food, and music, to deeper reflections on the resilience and perseverance of our people through many periods of hardship and struggle. In 1970, celebrations began in Guam to mark the date that Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Marianas, commemorating the moment when CHamorus/Chamorros first came into contact with the Western world. Known as “Discovery Day,” the holiday was
initially celebrated during the first Monday of March. Over the next decade, perpetuating CHamoru/Chamorro culture became a community priority that was recognized and supported by the government. In 1974, Governor Carlos G. Camacho signed a bill, officially creating a fiveyear pilot program that was dedicated to teaching CHamoru/Chamorro language and culture. By 1980, CHamoru/ Chamorro language and culture became a mandatory subject for public elementary school students, and was also offered as an elective to public high school students. CHamoru/Chamorro language classrooms within the public school system were often at the forefront of cultural revitalization and took on the Continued on page 2