Chamorro fiestas welcome the respectful
By Evan Carter
Local favorites like beef short-ribs, wild pig, fresh fish and of course lumpia can all be found at Chamorro fiestas here on Guam. Along with the food, good times, friends and lasting memories can be forged – for those who give it a try.
From Malesso to Yigo, local parties are everywhere almost every day. Though few military personnel will be found attending, it doesn’t mean they can’t. Most don’t take the initiative to try them out because they are not sure if they are welcome. It’s a good question.
“Some locals want military members to come and some don’t,” explains Kenneth Guerrero of Yigo. “For the most part though, if you come in a polite manner and are respectful, then you will be ok. But if you come and think we’re a stepping plate – eat our food, drink our beer and then you want to disrespect us – then we will break you and feed you to the crabs.”
That may sound harsh, but anywhere you go, the rule of respect applies. On Guam, for sure, never disrespect the party in any way. The most noticeable aspect of the Chamorro culture is the hospitality and generosity the Chamorros have toward others. If one comes in peace, then the locals will recognize it and offer the same hospitality as they do to a member of their own family.
Airman Charles Thompson, a 734th Air Mobility Squadron member from Andersen Air Force Base, has had many experiences with locals at fiestas.
“Of the families that I have met and spent time with, I have had nothing but great times, great food, and learned a great deal about island life – and loved every minute of it,” he says. After a few months of staying on base, Thompson became tired of dorm-life and the same old routine day after day. That’s when he found his interest in the local culture and traditions among other things. “Me and a few friends just got into a conversation with someone local and they invited us to hang out with their family at the beach, which ended up with another invite to one of their daughter’s birthday parties and that’s how it all began,” Thompson says.
He says he has never had a bad encounter, but he has learned a lot of things that you should and shouldn’t do.
“I learned that you should always bring something to a party, or fiesta, (such as meat, beer, soda, water, etc.),” Thompson said. “Also, people who are older get more respect from the younger family members than you usually see in a traditional American family from the States.
“I learned that the eldest family members are treated and viewed as the ‘head’ of the family and are highly respected,” Thompson continues. “I have never seen a younger family member take his hat off when greeting an ‘elder’ in the family before I met the local friends I have.”
Thompson also offers some common-sense cautions. They include not getting severely inebriated to avoid doing or saying something disrespectful. Others include not talking with girls that are not single and don’t swear, use obscenities or be loud. Be yourself but be respectful and courteous too.
“You have been invited to be around their closest family and that’s a big deal to the locals,” says Thompson, adding you should never take your presence at a fiesta for granted. “Military members should realize that and understand and act accordingly.”
The Guerreros cordially invite any member of the military to stop by at their weekly Sunday fiesta at Ypao Beach Park in Tumon. Just find the volleyball court and you’re in the right spot. But remember: Bring something to share and be courteous.
