Lunar Calendar Festival

Tomorrow I'll be at the Lunar Calendar Festival at the Fishermen's Co-op in Hagatna.

I'll be there for two reasons. First, I'll be displaying my grandfather's tools. Second, my artwork was used for the calendar that they'll be giving out this year. I'm very excited to see it.

Here is more information about the festival and the significance of the moon in Chamorro culture.

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Public Service Announcement

The moon has always held much significance for the Chamorro people who have inhabited Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for approximately 4,000 years.  The lunar movement synchronizes the life cycles of the flora and fauna of the islands and ocean.  The ancient Chamorro, being a seafaring people, relied on the moon phases to guide daily activities.  Modern Chamorro traditions and cultural values have evolved from these practices that encourage living in respect and harmony with the island environment.

The Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association, with support from the Dept. of Chamorro Affairs, Farmers Cooperative Association of Guam, Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association, Guam Organization of Saltwater Anglers, Guam Visitors Bureau, Mayor’s Council of Guam, Marianas Underwater Fishing Federation and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, is celebrating the 5^th Annual Gupot Fanha’aniyan Pulan CHamoru (Chamorro Lunar Calendar Festival) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2013, the phase of the New Moon and Lunar New Year.  It will be held on the grounds of the Guam Fishermen’s Cooperative Association along the stretch of the Marina and Boat Basin next to the Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.  Our event sponsors include our GUALÅFFON level sponsors Ambros Inc., Atkins Kroll/AC Delco, Docomo Pacific and Pacific Daily News; our PULAN level sponsors BankPacific, Coast 360 FCU and Southern Pacific Petroleum Corporation (76); and our Sinahi sponsor Guam Premium Outlets.

The Chamorro Lunar Calendar Committee under the auspices of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will be distributing (1 per family) the 2013 Fanha’aniyan Pulan CHamoru (Chamorro Lunar Calendar) which features the moon phases in the Chamorro language, the Guam tide charts and fishing seasons.  The calendar showcases beautiful art work from our local students who will be recognized at the opening ceremony at 10 a.m.  The art contest prizes were provided by Fish Eye Marine Park, Guam Tropical Dive Station, McDonalds of Guam and Under Water World.

The theme of the calendar and festival is "Fino’ Gualåffon:  Kontenuha Muna'lå'la' put Kutturåt Chamorro yan Siguridån Nengkanno'  ”   (Moonlight Talk:  Addressing Sustainability through Chamorro Cultural and Food Security)."  This theme encourages discussion on how traditional knowledge and cultural practices promotes sustainable use of natural resources and ensures the island’s food security.  The lunar movement directs the life cycles of the flora and fauna of the land and ocean and central to life in our islands.  Threats to our Chamorro culture and food security can have catastrophic impacts to our natural resources and the people of the Marianas.  The practice of culture and traditions has provided the people of the Marianas resiliency and ensured the availability of food through sound traditional management of natural resources. 

The festival will also feature exhibits, displays, demonstrations and entertainment utilizing the Chamorro language and values.  Local artisans will provide demonstrations of their crafts; provide learning opportunities and have culturally crafted items for sale.  Cultural dance groups will provide continuous visual stimulation and entertainment through chants, song and movement.  Local farmers and fishermen will showcase their talents with produce and foods for taste and sale.  We are promoting the “Buy Local” program.

Continuing this year, in line with the Chamorro value of respect for our island, AK Guam and AC Delco are paying you to keep Guam green! Bring in your old car or boat battery to the 4th Annual Chamorro Lunar Festival and receive $5! And get $1 for your old motorcycle battery! Damaged, cracked, leaking or alkaline batteries excluded.  The drop off area for the batteries will be the festival entrance at the GFCA parking lot. 

A major highlight of the event will be the chinahan, an ancient Chamorro method of cooking underground. The public is invited to observe the preparation of the CHåhan (underground oven) when fish and starch crops such as taro, yams, breadfruit, tapioca and sweet potatoes will be placed in the earthen oven and at 4:00 p.m., it will be ceremoniously opened with a procession of food to the feast tables.  The procession will include representation from each of the island’s villages led by their Village Mayor with their contribution for the feast.  Once done, in the spirit of the Chamorro culture, the feast will be shared with those in attendance.  The event is free and open to the general public. 

Come Celebrate the Lunar New Year - Chamorro Style

Biba Chamorro!!!  Biba CHamoru!!!   Biba Guahan!!!  Biba Guam!!!