Saturday is Chief Aghurubw Day celebration

A monument of Chief Aghurubw stands today on Managaha Island, commemorating his achievements and leadership to assure of his people’s safety and welfare. (Contributed Photo)

This year’s commemoration of Chief Aghurubw Day, which will be the 48th edition of the annual tradition, will mark 203 years since the first settlement of the Carolinians in the Marianas in the year 1815.

The commemoration ceremony, one of the main activities scheduled for September as Cultural Heritage Month, will be held on Managaha (Ghalaghal) Island on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.

On behalf of the Carolinian community, the Chief Aghurubw Foundation and the Carolinian Affairs Office, Office of the Governor is inviting the public to join in this memorial celebration.

Chief Aghurubw, the legendary Carolinian chief and a great traditional navigator, set sail from Satawal in the western Caroline Islands over 200 years ago, to seek refuge for his people when a major typhoon devastated their islands. Oral and written history passed through generations spoke of how in 1815, Chief Aghurubw braved uncertainties to relocate his people, many of whom faced starvation through losses suffered from the typhoon. He navigated the voyage to the Marianas and paid a visit to then-Spanish governor Medinilla in Guam and asked permission for the resettlement. Medinilla granted official approval and bestowed Chief Aghurubw with a legal certificate, a cane and a black top hat, symbols of authority. The chief was often seen wearing the hat proudly, which earned him the nickname “Parung” (hat).

The official approval from Medinilla distinguished him as a paramount chief. Upon his death, members of his clan, the Ghatoliyόόl Clan, carried out his wish that he be buried on Managaha Island.

And as the burial ground of Chief Aghurubw, Managaha Island has become and is well-respected as a sacred ground by the Carolinians, which leads to the island’s historical significance.

In memory of Chief Aghurubw, a monument was erected on Sept. 18, 1970, on Managaha Island, heralding the “first official annual commemoration of Chief Aghurubw.” His statue, which stands today on Managaha, commemorates his achievements and leadership to assure of his people’s safety and welfare.

The annual tribute to Chief Aghurubw will include boat trips to and from Managaha, a commemoration Mass, official remarks, lunch, and traditional performances. Following are the schedules for boat transfers to and from Managaha, courtesy of Tasi Tours Inc., Saipan Sea Cruise, Top Development Inc., and Saipan Sea Ventures.

Hagan Tasi Boat (by Tasi Tours & Saipan Sea Cruise):

-Departing from Inner Smiling Cove, Marina at 8am

-Returning from Managaha to Inner Smiling Cove at 3:55pm

Discovery Boat (by Top Development Inc.)

-Departing from Outer Smiling Cove, Marina at 8:30am, 9:15am

-Returning from Managaha to Outer Smiling Cove at 4pm, 4:30pm

Jambalaya Boat (by Saipan Sea Ventures)

-Departing from Outer Smiling Cove, Marina at 10:30am

-Departing from Managaha to Outer Smiling Cove at 4pm

The public is asked to be at the docks 30 minutes prior to departure time. Boats will be departing Saipan on time as scheduled. (PR)