A Christmas parade to kick start the Christmas on the Waterfront program brought joy to children and families on Wednesday afternoon.

The event was hosted by the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) and supported by several Government ministries as well as the victorious members of Manu Samoa 7s team and the Manu Samoa U-19s. 

The parade started from Matautu roundabout and moved towards the Government building with Samoan and overseas families cheering from the roadsides and receiving candies from Santa Claus.

The Minister for Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster said Christmas is about new beginnings and added that the goal is to celebrate Christmas and await a new year with a new beginning.

“This Christmas parade marks the beginning of the Christmas program to celebrate the festive season, providing a joyous experience after challenging experience with the pandemic," he said. 

Toeolesulusulu also acknowledged the presence of the Manu Samoa U-19S and 7s team, who were the Cape Town HSBC World Series trophy winners, and congratulated them on claiming victories for their nation.

Manu Samoa captain, Vaa Apelu Maliko, told the Samoa Observer that having witnessed in person the support from their people has been an overwhelming experience. 

“We’re grateful, God knows that and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the team but for now, let’s celebrate Christmas with our loved ones and once again, thank you Samoa for the tremendous support,” he said.

Choir performances and entertainment were also held at the Friendship Park after the parade for families to enjoy. Christmas lights were switched on and food stalls were also set-up at the S.T.A. Cultural Center.

The S.T.A. hopes to have a similar kind of activity for the new year's celebrations which will have fireworks going off at midnight on December 31. The fireworks will staged separately but simultaneously on both Upolu and Savaii.