The beautiful contestants of the Digicel Miss Samoa Pageant 2023 took part in the floral float parade bringing the festivities for this year’s Teuila Festival to a close on Friday.

The parade began early morning from Matautu in Apia and stretched all the way to the Government Building where the Teuila prize giving took place.

The outgoing Miss Samoa, Haylanni Pearl Kuruppu's float came first during the Teuila parade decorated by Samoa Water Authority Employees Association. 

The reigning Miss Pacific Islands Josie Nicholas also joined Ms. Kuruppu and the 10 lovely contestants vying for the Miss Samoa title this year. 

Students from different schools in the country also joined and marched behind the contestants and the float they supported. 

Representatives from the district councils who worked tirelessly in preparing the floats for the contestants also danced, sang and marched behind the floats. 

Reverend Mariota Siaea of the Methodist Church at Matafele officiated the service to officially close the celebrations and festivities of the 33rd annual Teuila Festival. 

He reminded the gathering of the importance of giving thanks to the Almighty God for his provision, guidance and love for Samoa. 

Turning to the contestants vying for the Miss Samoa title this year, Rev. Siaea wished them all the best for the finale on Saturday night, saying that they were all "already winners". 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa hailed the celebrations of this year's Teuila festival a success, and she spoke on behalf of the Government of Samoa to thank everyone who participated in this year's festivities. 

She also highlighted the importance of the participation of the different youths and organisations who all performed and competed in the different traditional dances and games throughout the week-long celebration. 

Fiame commended the Onomea Production who are organising this year's Miss Samoa pageant. 

Fiame also wished the contestants all the best for the finale on Saturday night, and echoed the message from the church minister that they have done well and were all winners. 

Fiame gave recognition to the service of the outgoing Miss Samoa 2022-2023, Ms. Kuruppu as she prepares to relinquish the crown. 

The contestants also expressed their sincere gratitude to the district councils and organisations who prepared the beautiful floats for them. 

The formalities on Friday concluded with a prizegiving ceremony for all the different competitions that took place this week.