Traditional performances and string bands kick start independence festivities

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 06 SEPTEMBER 2022: Traditional cultural performances and string bands kicked started the official year-long independence festivities in front of the Government building last night with seven performing groups and four string bands on stage.

The cultural performance competition comprised of: Tafitoala EFKS Youth, Matautu and Gagaifo-Tai EFKS Youth Group, EFKS church choir from Fausaga, Safata, Catholic Youth Group from Fasitoo-Uta, Faleapuna Women’s Committee group, Ualesi Leauvaa Catholic Youth Choir, and Satapuala Methodist Youth group.

String bands include Tama o le Lava from Saleaula, Fusiloa from Vaisala, Ava Samoa band from Puipaa, and the Catholic string band from Le Ualesi, Leauvaa.

Samoa’s 60th Independence celebrations started on Sunday with a Church Choir Exhibition which brought together choirs specifically from the theological colleges in the country for the first time and will conclude this Saturday with the Miss Samoa Pageant.

The rest of the week will be taken up by traditional games and entertainment competitions at the Main Stage in front of the FMFM II Government Building and Friendship Park as well as sporting tournaments such as national Samoa cricket champs and the Vodafone Sevens later in the week.

Food and handicraft stalls have been set up around the STA cultural village and the Government complex to cater for public demand.

On Friday morning, there will be an Independence Floral Floats Parade which will carry the Miss Samoa contestants and will conclude with the official Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony.

The Punialavaa Band will also hold an open concert at the Main Government Stage on Friday evening.

Then the final event for the Teuila Festival, the Miss Samoa Pageant will be held on Saturday night.