Guam Discovery Day in Guam
Guam Discovery Day is a holiday in Guam.
When is Guam Discovery Day in Guam
Guam Discovery Day is celebrated on 06, March, 2023 in Guam.
About Guam Discovery Day in Guam
Guam Discovery Day is a public holiday in Guam, celebrated on the first Monday in March. The holiday commemorates the day when Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, landed on the island of Guam in 1521, becoming the first European to visit the island. The day is also known as Magellan Day.
The holiday is celebrated with various events and activities, including parades, cultural shows, and traditional Chamorro food. It is a time for the people of Guam to celebrate their history and culture, and to reflect on the island’s past and present.
The holiday is also an opportunity for visitors to learn about Guam’s history and culture. Many museums and cultural centers offer special exhibits and events during the holiday, giving visitors a chance to experience the island’s unique traditions and customs.
Overall, Guam Discovery Day is a festive and meaningful holiday that celebrates the rich history and culture of Guam. It is a time for the people of Guam to come together and honor their heritage, and for visitors to experience the island’s unique culture and traditions.
History of Guam Discovery Day in Guam
Guam Discovery Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States territory of Guam on the first Monday in March. The holiday commemorates the arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who landed on the island on March 6, 1521, during his circumnavigation of the world.
Magellan claimed Guam for Spain, and the island became an important stopover point for Spanish galleons traveling between Mexico and the Philippines. The Spanish established a colony on Guam in 1668, and the island remained under Spanish control until 1898, when it was ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Paris following the Spanish-American War.
Guam Discovery Day was first celebrated in 1970, and it was declared a public holiday in 1972. The holiday is marked by parades, cultural events, and fireworks displays, and it is a time for Guamanians to celebrate their island’s history and culture.
How is Guam Discovery Day celebrated in Guam
Guam Discovery Day is celebrated in Guam on March 6th every year. It is a public holiday in Guam, and the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The day marks the discovery of Guam by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
The celebrations begin with a flag-raising ceremony at the Governor’s Office, where the Guam flag is hoisted. The ceremony is attended by government officials, military personnel, and members of the public.
The day is marked by various cultural activities, including traditional dances, music performances, and food festivals. The Chamorro people, who are the indigenous people of Guam, showcase their culture and traditions through these activities.
There are also parades and processions held throughout the day, with participants dressed in traditional Chamorro attire. The parade features floats, marching bands, and cultural groups.
The day ends with a firework display, which is a spectacular sight to behold. The fireworks are displayed over the Hagatna Bay, and people gather along the shore to watch the display.
Overall, Guam Discovery Day is a day of celebration and pride for the people of Guam, as they commemorate the discovery of their island by the Spanish explorer and celebrate their culture and traditions.