In March 2021, the Juan Sebastian Elcano, a Spanish Naval training vessel visited Guam, as part of its circumnavigation of the globe, tracing the path of Ferdinand Magellan 500 years earlier. The ship is named for the captain who completed the expedition after Magellan was killed in the Philippines. These images show the Elcano’s visit to Apra Harbor, where a gift exchange was held and a series of chants were performed.

To coordinate this event, a local board, The Estoria-Ta Commission was formed. Its goal was to help ensure that the CHamoru voice was not lost in this global historical moment. Although many of its planned activities were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Estoria-ta Commission helped coordinate museum exhibits, publications and conferences all providing important context to the CHamoru story, both 500 years ago as well as today.