Guma’ Imahe joins FIFA parade in Washington

As all eyes are on the FIFA World Cup, Guma’ Imahi—in the spirit of unity and Marianas cultural pride, took part in the opening festivities in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, June 13.

The Tacoma-based group performed to showcase Chamorro culture and represent Guam and the CNMI in front of an international crowd, alongside the Puyallup Tribe, the first Native American tribe to be recognized as a World Cup host community in North America. Founder Joel Larimer, who is from Guam, said the moment carried real meaning for the group and the people they represent.

On the opportunity to join the festivities, Larimer said, “We jumped on it. This was going to be something that was going to be a milestone for our people—not just for the NMI or Guam, but all of us as a whole. It’s a milestone for us that we’re represented at the world stage. So when that opportunity came about, we grabbed it and we ran with it.”

Guma’ Imahi teaches and shares Chamorro culture through dance, song, chant, and workshops. The group has grown to nearly 200 members, including kids and adults from different backgrounds and ethnic groups.

The group is now preparing for its second Chamorro Day Festival on June 27, after Tacoma officially declared the date Chamorro Day. The event will feature cultural activities, vendors, and performances. Larimer said the goal is to bring people from Guam and the CNMI together and strengthen the connection between the islands through their shared Chamorro culture and heritage.