Taumeasina Island, SAMOA — Taumeasina Island Resort in Samoa will be the site of the first ever Samoa Tatau Festival, dubbed the biggest event of its kind to be hosted in the independent state.

It’s all about family, friends, tattoos, and music.

The three-day event will feature LIVE tattooing and LIVE entertainment. It kicks off Thursday morning, Nov. 21st with a parade being hosted by the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) who have partnered with the organizers of the Samoa Tatau Festival to make the event a memorable one.

Tattooing will commence at 11 a.m. (Anyone wanting to get a tattoo must have identification, to prove they are of legal age).

That night, there will be a special tribute to honor the retirement of Master Tufuga Ta Tatau, Su’a Suluape Alaiva’a Petelo — who has passed his tools, and knowledge, on to his sons, who will continue the Suluape family tradition of hand tapping.

A special ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the passing of Su’a Suluape Paul II will also take place, as his remains are finally being transported home from Australia.

On Friday, Nov. 22nd, tattooing will commence at 11a.m. and will extend through the night.

In response to recent reports of concerns voiced by the public about the risks of getting tattooed, the Tatau Fest organizers will be hosting a FREE workshop on hygiene/ sanitation at 5 p.m.

A ‘meet and greet’ with the VIP, tattoo artists, and performers will be held that night at 8 p.m.

The Fest officially concludes Saturday, Nov. 23rd with a concert featuring a line up of Polynesian superstars, including Fiji; Tenelle; Sam Choo Koon a.k.a. Mr. Cowboy; Lapi Mariner; Brown Hill; Wayno; and Western Conference. Sounds will be provided by Westafa and Big Body Cisco will be on the mic.

The Tatau Festival arrives in Samoa following three successful events in Washington State and one in American Samoa last year November.

Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the strong support of the following companies and organizations: Taumeasina, Vailima, TV3, Magic FM, QHF Lighting, Naydith Events Hirage, and Samoa Airways in Samoa, and two local companies: Island Business Center and Samoa News.

The goal of the Festival is to celebrate the traditional art of tatau and at the same time, promote Polynesian tattoo artists — men and women — who use needles, ink, and a bit of imagination to tell a story on people’s bodies.

The love is also extended to Polynesians who are able to touch the lives of audiences across the globe with their music.

Those who want to take part in the festivities can book their tickets now with Samoa Airways, who are generously offering a 30% discount on airfare between the two Samoas for all Tatau Fest goers, as part of their sponsorship.

Those who want to try their hand at luck can stop by Island Business Center (IBC) in Nuuuli and buy a raffle ticket. The grand prize includes two roundtrip tickets to Apia, hotel accommodations, and 2 VIP access tickets.

For American Samoa, general admission and VIP tickets are sold exclusively at IBC.

There are still some openings for those wanting to get inked during the Fest. Pick an artist and reach out to them via Instagram or Facebook to set your appointments. Walk-ins are also welcomed:

• Whitey Chen
• Suluape Riccyboy
• Fred Frost
• Akiu Sale
• Mua Posala
• Leilani Pedreira
• Marlo Lualemana
• Ron Galido
• Makalio Folituu (Tagaloa Tattoo, Tahiti)
• Keone Nunes
• Suluape Steve Looney
• Sii Liufau
• Taefu Falefitu
• Lane Wilcken
• Tasi Meleah
• Lawrence Ah Ching
• Pili Moo
• Tautua Ink NZ
• Joseph Ioane
• Charles Moeai
• Duffy Hudson
• Christopher Krieg
• Paulo Mauia
• Manamea Tattoo Studio
• AND MANY MORE!