Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Samoan community in the state of Hawaii was on full display as the 2023 Samoan Heritage Festival kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park on July 29, 2023, bringing together families and communities to witness different aspects of the Samoan Culture and Heritage.

The Saturday, July 29 event marked the beginning of a week-long celebration, according to a press release issued by the Governor’s Office.

The ceremony featured a parade led by the Hawaii United States Marine Corps Band, special remarks by Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii and Am Samoa Governor P. S. Mauga. “

On Sunday, July 30, the CCCAS Kanana Fou Church hosted the 2023 Samoan Heritage Church service and to'ona'i. The Church was filled with harmonious melodies as various Samoan church choirs performed, highlighting the unity among different congregations. Reverend Elder Falelua Lafitaga delivered a sermon that drew parallels between scriptures and Samoan life, emphasizing the importance of service to family, village, government, and church. Governor Lemanu also delivered an address emphasizing the significance of faith, family, and community in Samoan society. The evening was a testament to the enduring cultural values, spiritual traditions, and communal strength of the Samoan people. To'ona'I followed the service.

In the evening, the Heritage program began at 5p.m. at the Ke'ehi Lagoon Park. Various Samoan congregations showcased their devotion through dances and songs. Attendees were reminded of the correlation between the life of a Samoan and that of a Christian, that their whole lives are meant to be in servitude.

On Monday, July 31, the Samoan community came together for a full day of spirited competitions and cultural celebration at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park. The cricket game semi-finals were held earlier in the day.

The evening's entertainment featured traditional performances by various congregations. Among the highlights was the graceful presence of Taupou Manaia from American Samoa.

The Samoan Heritage Initiative Program culminated on Tuesday, August 1 with spirited competitions and cultural festivities, including a cricket championship and entertaining ethnic dances, celebrating the vibrant Pacific diversity.

Deputy Secretary of the Samoan Affairs Office, Tauese V. Sunia's opening remarks set the stage for a night of celebration and musical performances. “Our language and culture remain resilient, impervious to the shifting tides of time. Amid changing times, our heritage stands strong, echoing its vitality from the past to the present," he remarked.

The grand finale of the Festival was the Samoan Siva Afi by the Intersections Toa o le Afi Group. This traditional siva afi is particular to the Samoan people and it honors the famous original fire knife dancer Paramount Chief Letuli Olo Freddie Letuli, who brought siva afi to the world, now used at every luau in the Hawaiian islands and Pacific Island entertainments.

The successful conclusion of the Samoan Heritage Initiative Program Community Festivities stands as a testament to the vitality of Samoan culture and the spirit of unity among Pacific groups. Through engaging activities, the program fostered connections and embodied heritage, social networking, and celebration of the people of Samoan descent.