The southern village of Malesso’ is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors this weekend as the 18th Annual Malesso’ Gupot CHamoru/Crab Festival returns for three days of culture, food, music and family activities.
Malesso' Mayor Franklin Champaco shared the origins of the Crab Festival and why Malesso' is so popular for this annual event.
“Malesso' being the capital of the land crabs, it started with a one day event, they called it Gupot CHamoru,” he said. “The following year, it was a NPC member that had the idea of releasing the crab. The former mayor, Uncle Earnest Chargualaf, did that and since the crab hunting is so popular here in the South, the people loved it and 18 years later we’re still doing it.”
The festival will take place at Malesso’ Veterans Sons & Daughters Pier Park. Hosted by the Office of the Mayor of Malesso’ and the Malesso’ Municipal Planning Council, the event celebrates the traditions, hospitality, and the coastal lifestyle of Guam’s southernmost village.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday and continue through midnight. On Saturday and Sunday, festival grounds open at 10 a.m. and remain open until midnight.
Admission is free and family friendly.
