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Umatac (also spelled Humatac) is a village on the south-western coast of the island of Guam. As of the 2000 census, Umatac had a population of 887. The village's name is believed to be derived from the Chamorro word "Umatalaf" meaning to catch guatifi, a type of fish.
History
Prior to Spanish arrival on the island, an annual celebration was held North of the village at Funa rock where the first humans were created according to the legends of the Chamorros, the native people of Guam.
In 1521, the Spanish Explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on Guam while circumnavigating the globe. Umatac Bay is traditionally sited at the location of the Spanish landing. Another explorer, Miguel López de Legazpi, arrived in Umatac in 1565 and claimed the island of Guam for Spain. During both visits, misunderstandings led to the Spanish burning village homes and killing islanders.
When Guam was colonized in the 17th century, the Spanish made Umatac a parish so the Chamorros in the area could be converted to Christianity. Remains of two Spanish forts built on hills on either side of the village are still visible today.
In 1898, Guam was taken by the U.S. during the Spanish-American War. Under the U.S. administration, the small village has grown gradually. Today, the Discovery Day festival is held every year in the village. While the holiday was first established in memory of Magellan's discovery of the island, it is now a celebration of Chamorro culture.
See also
References
- Rogers, Robert F (1995). Destiny's Landfall: A History of Guam: University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 0-8248-1678-1
- Sanchez, Pedro C. Guahan, Guam: The History of our Island: Sanchez Publishing House.
External links
"Umatac, Guam"