Beginning in the 1970s, Mes CHamoru has been a time for the island to come together and celebrate the native culture. It begins on Guam Heritage day which is always the first Monday of March. Government, local businesses, and even hotels participate by displaying what the culture means to them for everyone to see.  

For example, when you walk into certain Payless supermarkets displays of CHamoru artifacts can be seen. Oka Payless displays the outfit of Shoichi Yokoi, who was one of the last members of the Japanese Army in the Second World War to be found in the jungles of Guam years after the US regained control in 1944. 

 

A popular non-profit organization that showcases Indigenous videos on YouTube called, Nihi!, celebrates Mes CHamoru by recapping their most popular videos. In their latest video, kids are shown a sign language poem in CHamorro. In another video, kids talk to a survivor of Mañenggon, the concentration camp during the Japanese Occupation of Guam.  

In the video Tab Lula describes her experiences as a young girl, and allowing the young kids to ask her questions.  

When asked if the war was hard on her family she responds, “Yes, it was very difficult because there were many deaths, for the people of Guam, and the same for other places. Many died.”  

Cali CHamoru hosted a Mes CHamoru event on March 26, where CHamoru artists performed live and vendors were able to set up shop. Families were invited to come and celebrate the culture away from home.