Guam USA - 2009 Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER 14, 2008.
January 10
Tumon Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of the Blessed San Diego Luis de San Vitores
36th Annual Cross Island 10M Run
Sponsored by the Guam Running Club, more information please visit their website at www.guamrunningclub.com
January 17
Chalan Pago Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje
January 24
Mongmong Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Nuestra Senora de las Aguas (Our Lady of the Waters)
January 31
Maina Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Purificiation
February 7 & 8
Fiestan Dinana' Minagof (Chamorro Dance Festival)
Sponsored by the Guam Historical Village in Gef Pa'go Park, the Chamorro Dance Festival features competitions among school groups, and exhibition performances by professional and community groups. This year's theme is "Acho' Latte", highlighting the latte stone, the foundation post of the ancient Chamorros. Traditional foods, games, arts & crafts booths, Carabao rides.
February 14
St. Valentine's Day
Yigo Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes
14th St. Valentine's Couples 5K Run
Sponsored by the Guam Running Club, more information please visit their website at www.guamrunningclub.com
February 28
4th Annual Kites for Wishes Kite Festival
The skies are alive with a thousand colors as numerous kites of all shapes and sizes take to the air at the Asan Memorial Beach Park. This is a fundraising event to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Guam. Kite experts from the Philippines, Japan, Canada and the U.S. participate and provide exhibitions and demonstrations. Open to the public and visitors.
12th True Guam Rugby International Tournament
The True GRIT XII men's and Women's Guam Rugby International Tournament at the Wettengel Rugby Field in Dededo, with teams from Japan, Micronesia and Guam competing in a social 10s and 7s island style rugby competition.
MARCH Chamorro Month
An island-wide celebration of the traditions, customs, and culture of the Chamorro people
March 6-8
Umatac Discovery Day
Annual re-enactment of Magellan's historic sail in to the harbor of Umatac with concession stands, entertainment, games, refreshments, and carnival rides
March 7
37th Hafa Marathon
Sponsored in conjunction with the Guam Running Club, more information please visit their website at www.guamrunningclub.com
March 10
6th Annual Chamoru Language Competition at University of Guam
March 30
37th Guam Marathon
Sponsored in conjunction with the Guam Running Club, more information please visit their website at www.guamrunningclub.com
April 4
Barrigada Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Vicente Ferrer
7th Xterra Guam Off-Road Triathlon
Combines a non-wetsuit 1km swim in the water behind the USO in Piti, a 27km mountain bike up Nimitz Hill and around the Guam High area, climbing further into the technical terrain atop Mt. Alutom, into the Mannengon Hills then returning to the transition area in Piti. The 5k trail run meanders in and around the village of Piti. For more information, please contact Eric at [email protected]
April 11 - 12
Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo (PHARE)
This annual trade show is sponsored by the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association and features the very best Guam's five star hotels and restaurants have to offer. See the latest services, sample the latest cuisine, and don't miss the exciting bartending competitions! Held at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
Commons Cup Int'l Large Ball Table Tennis Tournament
To be held at the UOG Fieldhouse
April 12
Easter Sunday
April 17 - 19
Smokin' Wheels Off Road Race
Racers come from all over the world to compete in this internationally recognized event held at the Guam International Raceway Park. Hosted by the Guam Racing Federation
April 18
Agafa Gumas Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Santa Bernadita
April 24 - 26
Malesso Fiestan Tasi (Merizo Water Festival)
This annual event takes place in the southern most village of Merizo and spans two weekends every November. You can expect to see High Power Boat Races, Jet ski Exhibitions, Canoe & Kayak Competitions, a Fishing Derby, a Flotilla of Decorated Water Floats, Cultural Arts & Crafts for sale, Cockfights, concession booths, live entertainment, and lot's of refreshments.
April 25
Merizo Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Dimas
Tourism Month
Sponsored by the Guam Visitors Bureau
May 2
Guam Soap Box Derby
Takes place at the Guam International Raceway Park. Winner goes to Akron to compete in the All American Soap Box Derby on July 21. For more information, contact Camille Denight at [email protected]
Kantan Minagof Song Festival/Fiestan Inalahan
During Inarajan's celebration of the village patron, St. Joseph, Gef Pa'go hosts a song festival, enhancing use of Chamorro language through songs and dance. The public is encouraged to participate for prizes in Talaya fishnet throwing, Coconut Husking and Grating, and Tuba Drinking. Traditional foods, games, arts & crafts booths, carabao rides take place in Gef Pa'go Park. A float parade concludes the festivities on Sunday afternoon. Held at Gef Pa'go Chamorro Cultural Village and sponsored by the Historic Inalahan Foundation.
May 16
Malojloj Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Isidro
May 24
19th Annual Manukai Cocos Crossing
From Merizo Pier to Cocos Island, swimmers make this annual crossing. Hosted by the Manukai Athletic Club.
9th Guam Extreme Adventure Race (GEAR)
This is what all the training has been leading up to! Four-person teams compete in a 12-16 hour adventure race that includes orienteering, trekking, mountain biking, coasteering, swimming, and kayaking. Not for newbies! Teams can register as either Pro or Social by contacting Lynda of Guam Extreme Adventure Race (GEAR) at [email protected]
May 24
19th Annual Manukai Cocos Crossing
From Merizo Pier to Cocos Island, swimmers make this annual crossing. Hosted by the Manukai Athletic Club.
May 25
Memorial Day (Public Holiday)
May 29
Guam Visitors Bureau's Excellence in Tourism Awards
June 6
Tamuning Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of St. Anthony
June 13
23rd Most Beautiful Run 5M
This gorgeous race travels through southern Guam beginning at Fort Soledad in Umatac. Sponsored by the Guam Running Club, more information please visit their website at www.guamrunningclub.com
June 15 - July 3
Chief Gadao Cultural Camp
Held at the Guam Historical Village in Gef Pa'go Park, Inarajan, participants learn Chamorro language words and phrases through fun activities - Chamorro cooking, games, crafts, songs and dances. Walking tours to Gadao's cave and other historic and legendary sites around Inarajan. Community volunteer discount service points and scholarships available. Limited to 40 participants per week, ages 6 to adult at $35 per week.
June 19
Chalan Pago Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 20
Toto Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Immaculate Heart of Mary
3rd Agat Mango 5K Run/Walk
The third year of this fitness activity for the family. The first official event of Agat's Annual Mango Festival.
June 26, 27 & 28
3rd Mango Festival
Taste the many flavors of the mango, buy a mango tree perfect for your own garden, learn how to grow healthy trees that produce luscious fruit, enjoy children's activities, participate in the Mango Cook-off and try mango cuisine at the Mango Brunch, all in the beautiful setting of Agat Town. Learn the basics of preparing and freezing pulp, making juices and jams, pickles, preserves, dehydrated slices and pastries. Hosted by the Agat Municipal Planning Council.
June 27
Ordot Village Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Juan Bautista
July
Saturday Cultural Workshops
Crafts lessons on Saturdays from 1 - 3 pm by a featured traditional crafts instructor will be offered each Saturday afternoon. Cost for each lesson, including materials, is $15 per student. Featured crafts instructors will be announced beginning June 2007. Some workshops offered are: coconut leaf hats & fans, mwarmwar (head garlands) with fresh flowers, coconut carving, wood carving, miniature canoe making, coconut painting, fiber bracelets & necklaces, and others. Classes are held at Guam Historical Village in Gef Pa'go Park, Inarajan.
July 4
Independence Day
The 4th of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The US Navy hosts an exciting laser light display and all day carnival at Polaris Point, Piti, every year! The night usually ends with a live concert.
MDA Annual 4th of July Treasure Hunt
Each year, MDA hosts an underwater Treasure Hunt with heaps of prizes and family fun. After the hunt, the activities continue with a beachside BBQ.
July 26
Agat Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Santa Ana
July 21
Liberation Day Parade & Festivities
Every July 21st, Guam commemorates its liberation with a parade, carnival (open from July 1 - 31), and an amazing fireworks display. This public holiday is one of the best days to be on Guam!!!
Liberation Day Mile
Hosted by the Guam Running Club
August Saturday Cultural Workshops
A continuation of the cultural crafts lessons on Saturdays from 1 - 3 pm by a featured traditional crafts instructor will be offered each Saturday afternoon. Classes are held at Guam Historical Village in Gef Pa'go Park, Inarajan.
August 1
Tamuning Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of St. Victor
August 15
Piti Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Assumption of Our Lady
August 22
Barrigada Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Roke
August 29
Agat Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Santa Rosa
September 5
Ca~nada Barrigada Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Ramon
September 12
Hagat~na Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Dulce Nombre de Maria
September 19
Talafofo Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Miguet
September 26
Mangilao Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Santa Teresita
October 3
Yona Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of St. Francis of Assisi
October 17
Umatac Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of San Dionisio
October 16 - 18
22nd Guam Micronesian Island Fair
Participants come from all over Micronesia to showcase their traditional art and skills, and entertain the crowds with cultural performances. Happens at Ypao Beach Park, Tumon.
October 17
Pastries in Paradise
This annual event features the best in confectionaries and desserts as the top chefs whip up amazing concoctions to tantalize the most discriminating of palates! Hosted annually by the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, for more information visit their website at www.ghra.org
October 17 & 18
11th Annual Micronesia Cup
Hosted by the Guam Canoe & Kayak Federation
October 18
2009 Guam Ko'ko Road Race & Ekiden
An individual half marathon race and a 4 x 5k Ekiden, or relay race. Both races start and finish at the Guam Visitors Bureau at Ypao Beach, Tumon. Sponsored by GVB.
October 24
Sinajana Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of St. Jude
17th Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Every October, on an island world renowned for the exquisite clarity of its deep blue seas, the water turns orange and from its depths a variety of unusual, clever, and downright hilarious creatures pours forth. The Guam Tropical Dive Station holds its annual Halloween celebration featuring the Funniest, Scariest, and Most Original Pumpkins, all carved beneath the ocean. There is also a homemade Scariest Mask competition for children and prizes for everyone, including trips from Continental Airlines for the adult winners of the three categories. The pumpkins are displayed at the Guam Premiere Outlets to the delight of everyone.
October 31
Halloween
Traditional American holiday where children dress up in costumes to receive treats from neighbors and participating businesses. There will be lots of special events throughout the island, including the First Lady's Halloween Carnival.
November 2
All Soul's Day (Public Holiday)
November 7
Estorian Taotao Tano: Stories of the People of the Land
Guam's history and culture comes alive through stories and legends. Featured storytellers are on stage, with other workshops and storytellers in the Gef Pa'go huts and historic homes. Other entertainment includes stories told through songs, skits and dances. Traditional massage and healers with their herbal medicines will also be featured. Held at the Guam Historical Village at Gef Pa'go Park in Inarajan.
November 11
Veteran's Day (Public Holiday)
November 25
19th annual Hilton Holiday Express Train Launch Ceremony
You know it's the holiday season on Guam when the trains start chugging around the Hilton Resort & Spa lobby. This amazing display has captivated children and adults alike for years and is one of the most highly anticipated moments of Christmas in Guam!
November 26
Thanksgiving (Public Holiday)
Happens on the third Thursday of November each year and commemorates the celebration the first harvest of the American Indians and Pilgrims in the New World. This is a federal holiday.
November 27
GVB Holiday Illumination
This annual event features lighted holiday scenes with a cultural flair, which are located throughout Tumon. The Tumon Holiday Illumination has become a much beloved feature of Christmas on Guam, highly anticipated by visitors and residents alike.
The 10th Annual Pleasure Island Dance Festival
A day of live entertainment featuring cultural performances from Guam and the world. The Pleasure Island section of Tumon is closed to traffic for this giant street festival.
November 28
Agana Heights Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
12th Jingle Bell Run
This annual 5k fun run is a great family event! Start the holiday with good cheer and great friends as residents and visitors take to the streets to run, walk, and enjoy a variety of entertainment along the way! Hosted by the Guam Hotel & Restaurant
Association.
30th annual "Autumn Festival (Akimatsuri)"
Held at Ypao Beach Park, this annual event sponsored by the Japan Club of Guam features exciting drum performances by Japanese performers and school children from both Japan and Guam. There are refreshments, Japanese toys for sale, and a fireworks display.
17th Annual Christmas Festival at Skinner Plaza
Usually occurring the evening after Thanksgiving, this annual event kicks off the holiday season on Guam with the annual turning on of the Christmas lights at Skinner Plaza where entertainment and holiday performances will occur nightly throughout the holidays.
December 5
Dededo Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Santa Barbara
December 5 & 6
7th annual Governor's Tourism Cup Championship Golf Tournament
This two-day event hosts the region's best golfers and raises money for public safety. For more information, contact the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, who host the tournament, at their website www.ghra.org
December 6
Guam Symphony Society's Holiday Seaside Concert
Features Christmas entertainment from some of the island's finest musicians and a special visit from Santa Claus in his Carabao drawn cart. Families spread picnic blankets and bring their lawn chairs, food, and beverages to recline in comfort on the Hilton's hillside while enjoying the entertainment and view of the Pacific Ocean.
December 8
Our Lady of Kamalen/Hagatna Festival
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Public Holiday)
St. Fidelis Friary Christmas Extravaganza
Held at the Friary in Agana Heights, the annual holiday display will be open to the public from 6 - 9 pm daily. Created by the Quinata family of Guam, this incredible exhibit includes twinkling lights, music, lot's of automated trains and holiday figurines, including nutcrackers, ice skaters, and a holiday themed music park. It's free to the public, although a small donation box is available with all proceeds going to benefit the Friary.
December 12
Santa Rita Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 25
Christmas (Public Holiday)
This is a federal holiday and the one-day of the year when nearly all businesses will be closed in celebration. Hotels and restaurants will have special events planned on this day so contact your favorite to find out what's happening!
December 26
Asan Fiesta
Village fiesta in honor of Nino Perdido Y Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family)
December 31
New Year's Eve
The last day of the year is celebrated in style on Guam. There will be numerous celebrations and special events to attend on this evening. All events culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, hosted by the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association!
December 31
Tropical Fantasy Fireworks
Hosted by the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association