Guam celebrates Micronesian culture

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The 37th Annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair brings together Micronesia’s diverse cultures during a weekend packed with island food, music, traditional dance, artisan crafts, and thrilling sporting events.

The island fair, one of the Guam Visitors Bureau’s signature events, celebrates the cultures of Guam, the Northern Marianas, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap at Ypao Beach Park in Tumon on June 7 and 8, from noon to 10 p.m. on both days.

GVB announced a series of special cultural performances, beginning with a powerful opening featuring 150 dancers and musicians from various islands, choreographed and led by Saina Eileen Meno, master of CHamoru dance.

There will be a CHamoru cultural presentation at 12:30 p.m. each day on the main stage, as well as various cultural arts activities at the Guam, CNMI, Yap, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Kosrae booths throughout the weekend. 

One highlight of the weekend is the traditional demonstration of the sacred Sakau ceremony at the Pohnpei cultural booth, beginning at 6 p.m. each night. 

This year’s music entertainment lineup includes Island Pulse, Pacific Cool, Microchild, Mix Plate, Malak Mo'na, Jonah Hånom and Parker Yobei.

Headlining the musical events is globally acclaimed reggae artist Jordan T, bringing his signature island reggae energy to the main stage.  Jordan T is known for high-energy performances and has toured worldwide, playing major festivals and sharing stages with icons like Damien Marley and Jimmy Cliff.  

A former member of Maoli and Katchafire, Jordan T has a powerful international following and his music is loved across Hawaii, Guam, Tahiti, and Japan.

World champion Shogo Horie of Japan will present a special exhibition of beach flags on Saturday, showcasing elite-level athleticism and introducing this exciting sport to local spectators and athletes. 

On Sunday, local athletes can compete in the first-ever Guahan Beach Flags competition on the beach side at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, the Haggan Outrigger Canoe Club will be hosting a Mixed Crew outrigger canoe race in Tumon Bay from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Food trucks, retail vendors, and kids' activities such as a petting zoo, rock wall climbing, carabao rides and carnival rides will also be available throughout the alcohol-free, family-friendly event.  

“This year’s fair is a true celebration of island life, from the traditional to the modern, from music to movement,” said  Regine Biscoe Lee, GVB’s president and CEO. 

“We’re especially thrilled to celebrate with our neighbor islanders from Micronesia and introduce a new sports component that we hope will inspire future competitors and provide more opportunities for our islands to come together," she added.

Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to take advantage of complimentary parking and shuttle service from Freedom Park (formerly Guam Greyhound) from noon to 10  p.m. on both days, or utilize the Guam Red Trolley buses or Stroll app, both offering affordable rates throughout the event.