Savai’i Hosts Samoa Ne’i Galo Schools Festival 2026

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA — 14 May 2026 – The Ministry of Education and Culture is hosting the first-ever Samoa Ne’i Galo School Festival in Savai’i.

With the theme Ola i Lau Aganu’u – Live Through Your Culture, the festival aims to strengthen the connection between students and their communities by promoting Samoa’s cultural heritage.

But with little prior notice, the event is taking place today, 14 May at the Don Bosco Hall in Salelologa, Savai’i, starting at 8:30 am

Eight schools from across Savai’i are taking part and coming together to celebrate and showcase their cultural practices and expressions.

The Ministry emphasized the goal of the festival is to bring these schools together in a shared effort to highlight and protect Samoa’s living traditions.

The event will include competitions judged in three key cultural areas:

1. The importance of sacred relationships – Fa’ataua le Va tapuia;
2. The significance of customs and traditions – Fa’ataua tu ma Aga;
3. The value of the Samoan language – Fa’ataua le Gagana.

Schools are to perform traditional presentations such as:

1. Siva Maulu’ulu
2. Singing cultural songs – Pese fa’a-le-aganu’u
3. Taualuga performance Taupou and Manaia

The performances will showcase the student’s creativity, discipline, and deep respect for cultural values.

They performances serve as a vital reminder of the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage for future generations.

The Ministry expressed its sincere appreciation to the Bank of the South Pacific for their generous sponsorship of $7,000, which will support the significant cultural celebration.

Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of Culture, Sa’uila Forrest Time and the Samoa Ne’i Galo Committee have extended their heartfelt thanks to BSP for the crucial support, noting that their contribution is key to the event’s success.