Santa Marian Kamalen Day 2023: Every year on December 8, Guam observes Santa Marian Kamalen Day, a religious celebration that falls on the same day as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It honors the Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Camarin, her 350-year-old image carved from molave wood and ivory.
In Guam, this is the biggest and most well-liked religious holiday. People from various churches in the region assemble outside the Cathedral Basilica in the capital city of Hagåtña at noon to start the celebrations with a novena and rosary. Frequently, the throng is so enormous that it congregates on the streets and lawn outside the Cathedral rather than attempting to fit inside. A procession through the local streets marks the conclusion of the festivities.
The background to Santa Marian Kamelen Day
Both the holiday and the acquisition of this ivory statue are shrouded in mystery. Oral traditions state that a fisherman found the statue while it was resting on the ocean floor. To get it, he dove into the water, but the statue fled as he got closer. While he kept swimming toward the statue, believing it was the ocean current, the statue kept moving away.
The town’s priest advised him to present his tale to the locals that evening while dressed in his Sunday best. He dressed to impress and returned the statue to the land the next day.
Numerous accounts abound regarding the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen’s arrival on Guam, but one thing is certain: since its arrival, the saint Santa Marian Kamalen, whom the statue honors, has served as a beacon of protection and hope. In addition to being an essential component of Guam’s culture, the statue holds great significance for the local Catholic community, who view it as a means of connecting to Jesus Christ.
To prevent the original statue from being taken again, a duplicate has been placed in the cathedral and it is currently kept in a secure location. However, the statue has always been found in a public area or discreetly returned after three previous thefts.
How to celebrate Santa Marian Kamalen Day
Participate in the service
Attend the service at Cathedral Basilica if you’re on Guam. One of the best ways to observe this holiday and recognize its cultural significance is to get together with friends, family, and members of your community.
Go to Guam
Guam is a stunning nation with a number of white beaches and unique wildlife. The best time to visit Guam is during this holiday, which is filled with a lot of processions and festivities.
Continue the customs
Spend some time educating kids about the origins of Santa Marian Kamalen Day and inspire curiosity and questioning in them. The holiday is more than just a religious event; it is ingrained in Guam’s history and culture and can serve as a source of courage and inspiration.
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These five facts about Guam will astound you.
initial trip to Europe
In March 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, serving under Spain, set foot in the region.
Guam is a US territory.
During World War II, a Japanese soldier spent 28 years hiding in the Guam jungles.
A military man in the forest
During World War II, a Japanese soldier spent 28 years hiding in the Guam jungles.
Europe’s oldest city
One of the oldest European cities in the Pacific is thought to be Hagåtña.
On Guam, the Philippines
The Philippines accounts for nearly all of Guam’s foreign labor force.
The significance of this Day
It’s customary.
We adore the fascinating background and traditions of Santa Marian Kamalen Day. A long-standing custom that enriches Guam’s history and culture is this holiday.
It’s a beautiful demonstration of faith.
In Guam, the religious holiday is greatly appreciated and widely observed. It’s a lovely representation of the Catholic faith that the majority of the populace practices.
It unites the neighborhood.
The community is encouraged to enjoy each other’s company and companionship, from early morning hangouts with friends and family to the afternoon service in front of the church and the procession through the city. Why not join your community in celebrating this day?
SANTA MARIAN KAMALEN DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 8 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 8 | Wednesday |
