independence

Celebration

Two Samoas celebrate one’s independence

Fast races, joyful dances and great barbecue bring Pacific nations together for a glorious ‘fla-fla’

By Jim Nielsen

FOR two days, the Cradle of Polynesia rocked with song and celebration as Western Samoa celebrated its 32nd year of independence. The special events began with the National Sunday of Worship on May 29, and ended on June 2 with canoe races, a fautasi (longboat) regatta and traditional Samoan songs and dances.

The events were held in front of the Government Building Complex along Beach Road in Apia, and were hosted by His Highness the Head of State Malietoa and Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana. Other distinguished guests included members of the Council of Deputies, representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga and the Maori Queen. The governor of American Samoa, Peter Tali Coleman, and US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega also joined in the celebrations.

“The islands of Western and American Samoa are divided politically, but not socially,” said an official. “Although we are separate countries, our families and our friendships are joined

by tradition.”

The waters of Apia Harbour tossed with excitement on June 2 as men and women competed in canoe races, and the longboats pulled out for the beginning of the fautasi competition. Four longboats; American Samoa’s Aeto 3 and Leiseula, and two from the Western Samoan villages of Apia and Manono competed in head-to-head competition, with the

Jim Nielsen

Paddles up: Apia’s fautasi entrant prepares to leave the harbour for the starting line. American Samoa’s Aeto 3 won the race

Apia’s Beach Road: tourists enjoy the food stalls as well

American boats placing first and second. Villagers from the Western Samoan islands of Savaii and Upolu and American Samoa’s Tutuila and Manua performed traditional dances and songs, and a brass band competition opened the eyes of sleepy villagers with enthusiastic, if not occasionally beautiful music.

Hard hit in recent years by back-to-back cyclones and a crippling taro blight, Western Samoa was the first nation in Polynesia to achieve its independence. A dancer waiting for her turn to perform, summed up the feelings of many Samoans “We celebrate this day with pride for our Samoan people, in gratitude for our recovery, and in hopes of the bright future of Samoa.” □

Traditional entertainment: dancers from the islands of Savaii, Manua, Tutuila and Upolu perform during the celebration

Full of enthusiasm: a dancer from Falelima i Sasae, American Samoa, entertains the crowd

Apia’s Catholic church: blessed by spectacular weather, villagers from Western Samoa and American Samoa sing and dance in tribute to the first nation in Polynesia to win its independence

Time for a break: the famous Apia market bustled during celebrations but these four ladies took time to rest, visit and market their produce