Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG’s annual public Christmas celebration kicked off on Wednesday this week at the pavilion in Fagatogo. Officially called “Christmas Caroling” — the program is a 3- day-evening event of choirs composed of employees from different government departments and agencies singing Christmas songs in Samoan and English.

In previous years, there were ‘international’ community choirs that were invited to perform as part of the celebration, however this year it’s government only.

The official lighting of the Territory’s Christmas Tree is still very much a part of the annual celebration — and this year, First Lady Dr. Lois Pula did the honors, on opening night, Wednesday, Dec. 10th.

Each night Caroling begins at 6 pm.

For Wednesday, Welcoming remarks from Lealaisalanoa Alofaga Salanoa, who is the Master of Ceremonies throughout the 3-night program, was followed by the opening hymn performed by the TAOA Choir. Both Invocation & Benediction were offered by Fagatogo CCCAS Rev. Iasepi Ulu.

After the Christmas tree was officially lit by the First Lady, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula gave opening remarks.

Wednesday’s program included 5 choirs comprising 16 different government entities —  Samoan Affairs & Feleti Barstow Public Library; Procurement, Property Management, Public Defender, ALJ & Legal Affairs; DBAS, DMWR, Port Admin & Visitor’s Bureau; DHS & ASCC; and, DPS, Dept of Corrections & Search & Rescue.

One of the beautiful aspects of the annual celebration is the costumes worn by each choir — highlighting the Samoan culture’s love of color and style presented as a unique uniform — puletasi for the women and i’e faitaga & aloha-type shirts for the men — with each choir/ group having their own — becoming a part of the living pulse of the community at that moment.

Of note, the nightly event is a ‘must-attend’ for government department and agency heads or their deputies, as outlined in a memorandum sent out from the Governor’s Office, December 5th. The public often chooses to enjoy the program from home, as usually KVZK-TV streams it live.

Thursday’s Caroling program had 7 choirs: Fono; LBJ & Office of Protection & Advocacy; Administrative Services & DPW; ASTA, Election Office & TEO; DOA, Parks & Rec & Retirement Office; and, Treasury & the Shipyard.

Invocation and Benediction were offered by Father (Patele) Pio Afu of the Amanve Parish.

Friday, tonight is the last night of the ASG Christmas Caroling program and will feature 6 choirs: Office of the Governor & All Line Agencies; DHSS & ASEPA; Dept of Commerce, KVZK & Planning & Budget Office; DHR & DYWA; DoH; and, DOE.

Closing Remarks will be given by a Fono representative (not yet announced).

Invocation and Benediction are to be offered by Rev. Tagiilima Lavilavi of the Methodist- Nuuuli.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, American Samoa — May you be Safe and Kind to one another during these festive holidays.