Agana - the center of Guam's life and culture

Guam is rather an extraordinary destination. The extraordinary character of the land comprises of several natural wonders, interesting historic and cultural sites, indigenous traditions and great symbolism. For instance, Guam is one of the areas with the highest snake density in the world (2,000 snakes per km?) and the name of its capital, village Agana, means "blood" symbolizing the vital role of the village in life and development of the entire Guam.
Agana, the capital of Guam is located at the mouth of the Agana River five miles north of the Apra Harbor, the island's major port and Agana's port of entry. Agana has been the seat of the government of Guam since the earliest days and it contains interesting historic and cultural sites and relics of ancient Guam.

First, the name of the capital is of great interest. The locals (taotao tano) have named regions of Guam in accordance with parts of the human body. Agana (or Hagta} means blood; thus, it is a liquid that maintains life of the whole organism of Guam.

The landmark of Agana is the Latte Stone Park, whose pillars date from over two thousands years ago and are considered to be used by the ancient people of Guam in the construction of their homes. The Latte Stone Park displays now eight massive pillars, which have been brought to Agana from Me'pu, their original location in southern Guam.

Agana is home to the site that inspired the design of the Great Seal of Guam. The blueprint shows a coconut tree and proa (canoe) on the background of Two Lover's Point. The Great Seal of Guam is highly symbolic and its elements emphasize resistance and resolution to develop under any circumstances, skills and mastery of Guam's residents, a willingness to share their resources with others, devotion to their motherland, environment, culture, heritage and language.

The real scene for the seal is found at the place known as the Navy Yard Reservations, where earlier, the Agana River ran into the Philippine Sea. The typhoon has emptied the area leaving the only coconut tree and this image was adopted in the design of the Great Seal of Guam.

Another site of interest is Dulce Nombre de Maria (Sweet Name of Mary), Cathedral Basilica. The Cathedral is located in downtown Agana and is a part of Guam's Register of Historic Places. The Basilica is home to the statue of Santa Maria del Kamalen the Patroness of the Diocese of Hagatna, which was found floating by an angler during the 1600's and is surrounded by the mist of legend. Beneath the Cathedral's altar are the burial sites of the church hierarchy. It also houses a piece of the religious artifact of the original Cross.

A very important monument that adorns Agana is Chief Quipuha (Kepuha) Statue. Chief Kepuha was Guam's first Catholic chief who granted the lands, where now the Cathedral Basilica stands.

the last but not least attraction of Agana that accumulates diverse Guam's crafts, culture and rich traditions in one place is the Chamorro Village or Farmer's market (ethnic Chamorro are the indigenous people of Guam). Farmers sell here fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, while arts, gift and craft shops display local artisanship and talent. The restaurants serve Chamorro, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Jamaican, Mexican, Filipino and other cuisines.

The Chamorro village is the venue for all city's celebrations and festivities. Almost daily, it features ancient dances and live bands, demonstrations and exhibitions of local artistry. Here you will also find the Guam Museum Satellite, aquarium and zoo.

Those who are inspired to learn more about Guam, its history and culture, will find no better place than Agat for this purpose. The prominent sites of Agat, a village on the western shore of Guam are the Agat Marina, Mt. Alifan, the Spanish Bridge, and the War In The Pacific National Historical Park.
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