HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — On Friday evening, people young and old gathered by the waterfront to watch the fireworks light up the night sky, it was just one of the attractions of the 2024 Malesso’ Gupot CHamoru Crab Festival at the Malesso’ Sons and Daughters Pier Park that filled the weekend.
The festival kicked off with dozens of students from the Merizo Martyrs Memorial Elementary School CHamoru program singing and dancing the bendicion to welcome island residents and visitors to the heart of the south in celebration of the annual celebration.
“It’s pretty crowded here, but I like how the kids are singing. I didn’t understand anything, but I liked how they sang. They looked really happy singing it,” Jeannette Cruz said.
Food truck vendors lined one side of the park, while the other side was lined with booths for games and retail. Festivalgoers enjoyed the sights, sounds and eats. In Cruz’s case, it was also an opportunity to meet up with family and friends.
“I’m here to hang out with my friends and try some of the food here and watch my little brother’s performance. I tried the taro smoothie so far, and it’s tasty,” Cruz said. “The fireworks were really beautiful. I think I had the best view.”
“It’s a fun time and a good getaway.” Ethan Blas, a Malesso’ resident, said of the festival.
“The games are fun. It’s just the same as last year. Nothing changed from it, but it’s still fun to play,” Blas said.
While the games are fun, Blas said he was really there for the competitions. The festival featured a canoe race, a spearfishing contest, a jet ski race, and a crab catching competition.
The crab catching competition was the highlight of the festival. Blas said he wasn’t going to miss the event.
The event ended on Sunday with fireworks, a raffle drawing and entertainment.
