History and Chamorro Heritage Day in 2025

When is History and Chamorro Heritage Day?

Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day is a public holiday in Guam on the first Monday in March. It is not a Federal Holiday.

The date commemorates the first European contact when the famous Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan landed on Guam on March 6th 1521.

About History and Chamorro Heritage Day

The original inhabitants of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were the Chamorro people. They are thought to be descendants of Austronesian people who arrived from Southeast Asia as early as 2000 BC.

The first European to arrive on Guam was Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. He was sailing on behalf of the King of Spain, when he sighted the island on March 6th 1521, during his fleet's circumnavigation of the globe.

Did you know?

Magellan never actually completed the circumnavigation of the globe. A month after his visit to Guam he was killed in a battle in the Philippines. Juan Sebastián Elcano took command of the fleet and completed the journey, but Magellan has received more fame as he began as leader of the journey.

Following Magellan's visit, Guam was officially claimed by Spain in 1565. The island was used as a staging point for the Spanish fleet in the Pacific.

In 1970, this holiday was first celebrated to commemorate the historic event of Magellan's arrival and to honor and recognize the culture and heritage of the native Chamorro people, who remain the largest ethnic group, accounting for over a third of the total population

The holiday became part of Chamorro Week and is now celebrated for the entire month of March as Mes CHamoru.

This annual event showcases the history of Guam while reenacting the events surrounding Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in 1521.

What is Open/Closed?

Federal government: Open

Government of Guam: Closed

Post Office: Open

Public schools: Closed

Mass Transit: Closed 

Banks: Open