For some children on Upolu's south coast, White Sunday can't come soon enough, having missed the annual celebration for two consecutive years. 

Mother of three Fouini told the Samoa Observer that her children have not participated in the annual church celebration focused on Samoa's children.

"We have not had a white Sunday for two years so the kids are very happy," she said. "They are not part of the sub-village plays as they are too young but they attend the Sunday school practices.

Her children are aged 4, 5 and 6 are elated the day is just over a week away with another long weekend beckoning. 

Driving along the south coast, one cannot help but notice cheerful groups of youngsters dancing or singing inside the open fales, as their teachers keep watch with instructional poise. 

A group of young people of the E.F.K.S Lalomanu are learning evangelistic dance that revolves around the theme of "developing the spirit of worship". 

The youth are all students from different schools but make time to practice in the evenings. 

A teacher of one of the youth groups in Lalomanu said she is glad that more children are turning up for practice as everyone counts down to the big day. 

"So nice to see that more children are excited to participate. I am sure this coming White Sunday will be a great one given the kids have not had their day in two years," she said. 

Prior to preparations for White Sunday began, it was the usual pop music being played on the houses' sound systems. 

But with the celebration less than 10 days away, one can hear church songs played in the homes of the residents. 

An 18 year-old youth, who is works in one of the recently opened beach fales, told the Samoa Observer that he is going to miss the celebration this Sunday.

"I am spending all my time at work so I can't join the practices but I can pray from work when everyone is up there," he said.

Young mother Su'e with four children said she is already looking to buying clothes for her children and is contemplating traveling into town. 

"I am thinking of going in on Monday to buy the girls their white clothes. The boys are still okay with their old clothes," she said. 

White Sunday is an annual event to celebrate the importance of children. For many years it has become a cultural experience for Samoans here and abroad. Its program comprises children getting up early in the mornings and having breakfast served by the family. Then they get ready for a walk through the village to the church. 

In Church they will perform plays and songs learnt weeks prior to White Sunday. The church performance is followed by a feast of ice cream and cake as dessert for many families.