Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ABLE Moso’oi Festival 2024 opened over the weekend with a rich array of cultural entertainment, the introduction of this year's scholarship pageant contestants, and various activities and food stalls at the Su'igaula o le Atuvasa in Utulei.

The opening night of the Moso’oi festival featured a brief history of the festival's name, explaining that garlands made of Moso’oi flowers are used to welcome the palolo to our village shores in October. The bright yellow color and sweet fragrance of these flowers symbolize the resilience of the Samoan people.

Organized by the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE) with the support of ASG, the month- long festival seeks to preserve Samoan traditions and knowledge through, ensuring they are passed down to benefit future generations in American Samoa.

The schedule of events:

• •        Moso’oi Gala (Art Display) — October 4th
• •        Moso’oi Speaks (Open Mic) — October 5th
• •        Moso’oi Fashion's Night Out (Fashion Show) — October 10th - 12th
• •        Moso’oi Cultural Day (High School Siva Competition) — October 19th
• •        Mr and Miss Moso’oi Scholarship Pageant (Finale) — October 25th

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, along with Lt. Governor La’apui E.V. Ale, government officials, and members of the community, attended the premiere night of the Festival.

The governor thanked ABLE in his special remarks, for organizing this important annual event, which plays a vital role in preserving Samoan culture for future generations.

He briefly reflected on the history of the festival “The Moso’oi festival was initially organized by the government before ABLE took over. It has been a privilege to see the preservation of Samoan culture through various forms under ABLE's leadership.

“The Moso’oi Festival was established to connect present generations with their ancestors, history, and culture, ensuring that the way of life and cultural identity of American Samoans remain intact across time.”

The Governor concluded by emphasizing that the festival highlights the cultural talents, performers, and artists within the community, saying, “In today’s modern world, I urge everyone to remain connected to their cultural identity, particularly through language, which is vital for passing down stories across generations.”

He encouraged the youth to embrace and speak the Samoan language, and extended his blessings to the festival, its organizers, and the people of American Samoa.

In his special remarks, Ammon Fepuleai, President of ABLE, reflected on the agency's history and the challenges faced in revitalizing the festival to its former glory.

He noted that ABLE was founded in 2004 by High Chief Afoa L. Su’esu’e Lutu, with the mission of improving the quality of life for the residents of American Samoa.

This mission aligns seamlessly with the Moso’oi team’s vision of reviving Samoan culture through performing arts and humanities.

Mr. Fepulea’i conveyed his gratitude to all the government departments and private agencies who have contributed in making this year's Moso’oi festival possible.

Reverend Elder Ioane Evagelia of the Utulei Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) opened the event with a prayer and shared words of encouragement from Psalm 104:5, stating, “The Lord set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.”

Reverend Evagelia elaborated that what God has made and blessed, no man can change.

“We should all be grateful that God has set the foundation for us; in whatever we do, the different ways to preserve our culture, values and history through this festival, we thank our Lord for the talents given to us and the organizers for this initiative.”