A CHamoru man in the early 1900s holding up a gåyu (fighting rooster)

Although cockfighting as we know it today was introduced to the Marianas during Spanish colonization (most likely via the Philippines), CHamorus practiced a form of bird-fighting prior to European contact.

 

The 1525 account from the Loaisa Expedition describes CHamorus keeping and training doves and then betting on their fights.

 

From the account: “There are no kinds of livestock whatsoever in these islands, not even chickens nor any [land-based] birds, except some turtle doves or birds that look very much like them. They keep the said doves and raise them in their houses where they keep them in some cages and train them to fight against one another and they place bets on which one will win.”

 

After Spanish colonization and regular cultural contact with the Philippines was established, bird fighting, using gåyu or roosters was adopted.

 

This sport was an integral part of CHamoru culture for most of the Spanish period and up until the 20th century. It was a regular leisure activity for men on island, and a social highlight at any large celebration or gathering.

 

Cockfighting was banned by the US federal government in all US territories including Guam effective December 2019.