Scores of people waited excitedly for the 2023 Christmas Parade along Beach Road in Apia and had a glimpse of the Samoan Santa Claus on Wednesday evening.

The float parade and Samoa Police Band escorted the Samoan Santa through town from Matautu towards the Government Building.

Families who awaited the parade stood on the sides of the road as Santa and his helpers threw lollies and snacks to the children to spice up the spirit of Christmas. Even the adults got into action.

Acting Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponafasio delivered the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa who is still in New Zealand recovering from her surgery.

He said the nation was once again looking forward to celebrating Christmas. He said this was a time to spend with family and reflect on how people can better contribute to the nation and work together.

One of the families who came to witness the Christmas extravaganza was a couple and their three children. They came from Siumu with their relatives from overseas just to be in tune with the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the entertainment that followed in front of the Government Building.

Lesina Faasegi, the mother of the Siumu family told this newspaper that they come from Siumu every year to celebrate Christmas in Apia at least for a day and their favourite day is when the S.T.A carries out the float parade as their children enjoy them so much.

"The spirit of Christmas is all about family and about making your children happy and if this is what makes them happy then we'd gladly do so and it also makes us happy and relaxed coming to Apia and feel a different atmosphere from our home," she said.

Asked whether Christmas in Siumu is not as enjoyable as in Apia and why they would leave home to celebrate somewhere else, Mrs. Faasegi said they balance their time and financial budget towards places they want to visit across the island but there is a time when they will just stay home and reflect on the things they wish to work on in their family.

"It's also a great time to spend time with our families from overseas at different places and make them feel and know how Christmas in Samoa feels," she added.

"But other than that, we wish Samoa a very happy Christmas and may everyone stay wise and blessed and mostly safe as this is the season to enjoy but some tend to enjoy too much so be safe and God bless."

The parade was steered by the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) and was also joined by the Samoa Touch Rugby Club who were one of the gold medalists from the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands last month after their clean sweep in their finals.

Meanwhile, diplomatic guests such as the High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck was amongst the crowd who cheered joyfully and shared in the excitement.

The crowd gathered in front of the Government Building as four groups including S.T.A. performed several entertainment numbers to conclude the Christmas program which started with the parade.