The 2026 Annual Håfa Adai Festival

Poster advertising Hafa Adai Festival with tropical scene, dancers, and food imagery; date Aug 22, 2026, 12–4 PM at International Lawn Stage, San Diego area.

The warmth, flavors, music, and traditions of the Mariana Islands are returning to the heart of San Diego as the House of Chamorros presents the 2026 Håfa Adai Festival on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Balboa Park.

From 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the International Lawn Stage will come alive with a vibrant celebration of CHamoru heritage, bringing families, friends, cultural practitioners, and community members together for an afternoon of food, entertainment, education, and connection.

The annual Håfa Adai Festival is one of the House of Chamorros’ signature events, created to celebrate and preserve the traditional culture, dance, music, crafts, and cuisine of the Mariana Islands.

Experience the Spirit of the Marianas

“Håfa Adai” is more than a greeting—it reflects the welcoming spirit, hospitality, and sense of community that are deeply rooted in CHamoru culture.

Guests attending this year’s festival can look forward to:

Cultural performances and traditional dance
Live musicians and entertainment
Authentic island food
Local arts, crafts, and cultural displays
Family-friendly activities
Opportunities to meet members of the CHamoru community
An exciting raffle featuring valuable prizes

Past festivals have filled the International Cottages lawn with traditional blessings, cultural performances, food, crafts, and joyful community participation. The 2025 celebration included an opening ceremony and performances by the Imahen Taotao Tano dancers, offering guests an opportunity to experience CHamoru culture in the heart of Balboa Park.

Whether you were raised in the Mariana Islands, have CHamoru ancestry, or are discovering the culture for the first time, everyone is invited to participate, learn, and celebrate.

Amazing Raffle Prizes

The 2026 festival will also feature an incredible selection of raffle prizes, including:

Two grand-prize round-trip tickets between Guam and Los Angeles
Two one-night stays at Sycuan Casino Resort
Numerous cash prizes
A custom-made batik by Dr. Judy Flores
A warrior print donated by Manny Crisostomo
Additional prizes and surprises

Raffle winners do not need to be present to win. Official rules will be available at the event.

Preserving Culture Across Generations

The House of Chamorros works to provide cultural and historical knowledge about the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands while promoting understanding, trust, and appreciation within the broader community.

Events such as the Håfa Adai Festival help preserve cultural knowledge by creating a welcoming space where elders, cultural practitioners, families, and younger generations can gather. Through food, music, dance, art, storytelling, and traditional demonstrations, the festival strengthens connections to the Marianas while introducing San Diego residents and visitors to the beauty of CHamoru culture.

2026 Håfa Adai Festival Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: International Lawn Stage
Address: 2191 Pan American Road West, San Diego, CA 92101

Admission is open to the community, and everyone is welcome.

Come hungry, bring your family and friends, and prepare for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the people, heritage, and enduring spirit of the Mariana Islands.

For additional information, contact Jeff Macaraeg at 619-742-9150 or visit the House of Chamorros website.

Biba CHamoru! Biba the Marianas! We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Håfa Adai Festival.

Uno Hit Dancer.

About the Festival

The Hafa Adai Festival is an annual event hosted by the House of Chamorros. It celebrates and preserves our traditional culture, dance, music, crafts, and cuisine. The festival features live performances, interactive activities for families and children, local vendors selling handmade goods, delicious food from multiple chefs and restaurants, and more!

House of Chamorros Raffle Prizes:

1st: Grand Prize: $3,000 Cash Prize
2nd: Dr. Judy Flores ORIGINAL. Valued at $1,000 (Winner's Choice)
3rd: Guam Hyatt Regency: 3 Nights Stay. Valued at $800.
4th: Manny Crisostomo Sakman Print. Valued at $600
5th: Cash Prize: $500
6th: Valley of the Latte Adventure Park: Talo'fo'fo, Guam. 4 Tour Packages of $110 each. Valued at $440.
7th: Calvo Enterprises: Johnny Walker Special Edition. Vales at $300
8th: Cash Prize $200
9th: Two (2) Meals plus two (2) $15 Bingo Vouchers from Sycuan Casino
10th: Two Lovers Point Guam Gift Basket. Valued at $100
11th: 3-Day, 2-Nights Stay plus $100 F&B credit gift certificate from Viejas Casino and Resort. Valued at $500
12th: Cash Prize $100
13th: Cash Prize $100

Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraiser! The raffle drawing was held on August 16, 2025 at 4:45 PM PT. Method: randomized ticket pull overseen by the 2025 Hafa Adai Festival Committee Chair – Janice Waller Bouffiou

Verification

Draw supervised by: Raffle Chair – Brienda Maanao Diaz
Method: Randomized physical draw
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Contact: info@houseofchamorros.org

For privacy, we publish ticket numbers only. Names and personal information of winners are not shared publicly. Holders of winning tickets must present the original ticket and valid ID. If you believe you hold a winning ticket, contact us at info@houseofchamorros.org within 30 days of the draw or via the contact form below. Please write “2025 House of Chamorros Hafa Adai Festival Raffle Results” as the subject.

Ways to Purchase Hafa Adai Festival Raffle Tickets

Cash

Give to House of Chamorros (HOC) Representative holding Physical Tickets on Event Day.

Check

Payable to House of Chamorros, P.O. Box 371218, San Diego, CA 921367. Note: "Raffle, Full Name on Tickets, Number of Books, HOC Rep.

Example: Raffle, John Doe, 2 Books, HOC Jeff"

Use "DONATE"

Donate to the HOC

Head to our Donation Page, select 1.:Fundraising Event Sales", 2. "Other Amount", and 3. in "Donation Comments", write "Raffle, Full Name on Tickets, Number of Books, & HOC Rep Name.

DONATE

HOC Venmo

Venmo

@gumachamorro or see QR Code. Note: "Raffle, Full Name on Tickets, Number of Books, & HOC Rep Name."

Example: Raffle, John Doe, 2 Books, HOC Jeff"

HOC PayPal

PayPal

Send to "House of Chamorros" Add Note: "Raffle, Full Name on Tickets, Number of Books, & HOC Rep Name."

Example: Raffle, John Doe, 2 Books, HOC Jeff"

The House of Chamorros Board, 2023.

Dear, esteemed guests, Board of Directors, volunteers, performers, vendors, and attendees,

On behalf of the board of the House of Chamorro’s, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for making the Hafa Adai Festival on August 17th, 2024, at Balboa Park in San Diego an unforgettable success!

Special thanks to our distinguished guest speaker, Judge Johnny Gogo, nominated by President Joe Biden as the Attorney General for the Mariana Islands, for sharing his wisdom and insights with us.

To the Board of the House of Chamorros, your tireless efforts in preserving our culture and traditions are truly appreciated.

To the volunteers, your selfless dedication throughout the year and for setting up the event is commendable.

To the talented dancers, musicians, and vendors, your performances and contributions added to the festival’s vibrancy and authenticity.

To the attendees and those who purchased raffle tickets, your support for the House of Chamorros is invaluable.

Congratulations to the raffle prize winners, especially Clare Mendiola and Liz Leon Guerrero, who won the two grand prizes of a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Guam!

Thank you all again for your participation and enthusiasm.

Si yuus ma’ase’!

Sincerely,

Jeff Macaraeg
House of Chamorros
President
619-742-9150

A great opportunity for local vendors to showcase products and services.

Island Mist and Friends.

The Hafa Adai Festival is an annual celebration of the native CHamoru culture found in Guam and the CNMI. Held every year in mid-August, this festival is an opportunity to experience and honor traditional music, dance, language, cuisine, and crafts. This year was an especially welcomed return to gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious food, great music, amazing cultural entertainment, and good times.

During the festival, visitors have access to engaging activities including dancing, traditional food tastings, and a local vendor fair. Traditional Chamorro music fills the air as guests explore through the various participating vendors and businesses featuring unique culture-specific wares.

This is an event that allows people to appreciate the CHamoru history and recognize the resilience of the people. Visitors can experience firsthand the vibrant culture of these Pacific Islands while enjoying a fun-filled day with their friends and family.

The Hafa Adai Festival is also an opportunity to learn about the various cultural aspects in a safe and welcoming environment. Through educational presentations, visitors can gain insights on the island history and culture, as well as explore traditional recipes and crafts that have been passed down for generations. At the end of the day, the Hafa Adai Festival serves as a reminder that the House of Chamorros and the culture it celebrates every day is more than just a connection to tropical paradises in the Mariana Islands. It’s a place where time-honored customs and traditions are embraced and celebrated. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or want to learn about the rich culture, this festival is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

SO if we missed out on the chance to welcome you with the “Hafa Adai” Spirit this year, we look forward to welcoming you every weekend to the House of Chamorros in Balboa Park and at next year’s Hafa Adai Festival.