| Despite copping a thorough belting
from years of Spanish rule and American quasi-rule, Guam's Chamorro heart
is still beating. A concerted effort has recently been made to revive the
local dialect of this ancient civilisation, but only the island's most
elderly residents speak Chamorro as a first language. While the Chamorro
make up less than half the population, they're still dominant in the
political and social life of the island. The overriding religion of Guam
is Christianity, namely Roman Catholicism. Other denominations include
Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Latter-Day Saints and Episcopalians.
Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Buddhists and Muslims can also be found in
small numbers. |
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| In a push to reassert its
heritage, the Chamorro population is lobbying to return the pre-Spanish
names to all of Guam's villages. The capital city has recently had its
name changed from Agaņa to Hagatņa, and the rest of the villages may
soon follow.
Fast-food aside, Guam's cuisine is a rich mix of
Spanish, Filipino and Pacific dishes. Delicacies include whole roast pig,
tropical fruits, yams, coconut crabs, red rice made with achiote
seeds and just about anything barbecued. To turn dishes into a Chamorro
meal, ask for finadene, a hot sauce packed with red peppers, soy
sauce, lemon juice and onions. |