Guam - Culture

The Chamoru culture is visually manifested in dances, sea navigation, unique cuisines, games {batu, chonka, estuleks and bayogu}, songs and fashion influenced by the transmigration of peoples from other lands. Prior to being an American Territory in 1898, Guam was colonized by Spain from 1521 which, in order to preserve the lucrative Spanish galleon trade routes, almost exterminated the original inhabitants of Guam. The culture endured nonetheless through the survival of the Chamoru language.

Specialized weavings include plaited work (coconut and pandanus leaf baskets, mats, bags, food containments and hats), loom-woven material (hibiscus and banana fibber skirts, belts and burial shrouds), body ornamentation (bead and shell necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts and combs made from tor toise shells).

Guam is promoted among travellers for its modern conveniences. It is sold as a point of familiarity or exploration for those seeking contact with American popular culture. Peoples from other Island nations have recently migrated to Guam as a result of the break up of the U.S. Trusteeship of Micronesia and bring with them cultures from their homelands.

Guam is culturally diverse, with Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and other Asian communities of significant size in addition to its indigenous and mainland U.S. populations. As a centre of transportation and communication for the island region it also has sizable numbers of islanders from various parts of Micronesia, such as Palau, Yap, Truk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and the Marshall Islands. The extended family is the main social unit for most groups on Guam, although many of the younger members travel and live in the United States. Folk arts and handicrafts of Guam have enjoyed a revival in recent years with the advent of various public and private groups that have promoted music, dance, and other traditional cultural arts for the benefit of both the local community and tourists.

U.S. national holidays are celebrated on the island, as are several significant local dates such as Discovery Day, March 6, which commemorates the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The museum and library on Guam have active programs for the community, and the university is also a promoter of regional arts and culture. There are daily and semi weekly newspapers and quarterly and monthly magazines published on Guam, and several radio and television stations broadcast local and international news and features daily.