Malesso Crab Festival

View on map
Food & DrinkMerizo
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkThe talaya net-throwing competition, testing
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Malesso Crab Festival in Merizo

Held each March during Mes Chamoru in Guam's southernmost village, the Malesso Crab Festival draws thousands over three days for stuffed crab and crab cakes, barbecue, live music, and contests including talaya net-throwing, coconut husking, and jet ski racing along the coast, with free admission throughout.

Land crabs are the headline ingredient of the Malesso Crab Festival, sold stuffed or packed into crab cakes from booths that routinely sell out before the three-day event's final afternoon in Guam's southernmost village.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The talaya net-throwing competition, testing accuracy with a traditional Chamorro fishing net, and the coconut husking contest tie the festival directly to Merizo's coastal and fishing heritage in a way that a generic food fair would not, while the crab dishes themselves, stuffed crab and crab cakes, are prepared with local land crab that does not travel well and is best experienced fresh in the village where it is caught

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The talaya net-throwing competition and coconut husking contest are documented

Water and renewal

Living ritual

specific customs tied to Merizo's coastal traditions

The sacred route

Living ritual

alongside the crab culinary competitions that anchor the festival's name

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

For Malesso Crab Festival, plan transport around the exact Merizo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing and closed shoes for standing in food lines and moving around outdoor festival grounds; sun protection for daytime hours near the coast; a change of footwear if...

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Malesso Crab Festival, stay near the part of Merizo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map13.27 N, 144.67 EOpen in Google Maps

Merizo, Merizo, Guam

Nearest airportGUM — Antonio B. Won Pat
TransportFor Malesso Crab Festival, plan transport around the exact Merizo venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Malesso Crab Festival, stay near the part of Merizo you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Merizo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Merizo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable clothing and closed shoes for standing in food lines and moving around outdoor festival grounds; sun protection for daytime hours near the coast; a change of footwear if planning to watch the jet ski races from the shoreline, which can be sandy or wet.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Guam and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Malesso Crab Festival?

Malesso Crab Festival is listed for March. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Malesso Crab Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Merizo, Guam. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Merizo, Merizo, Guam

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLvisitguam.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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