The women’s committee of Falefa showcased their Samoan fine mats on Saturday morning in a parade led by the Police band.

More than one hundred women marched around 7am on the road holding their fine mats high while singing and dancing as they proceeded.

The parade drew women from four sub-villages which make up the village: Saleapaga, Sagapolu, Gaga'emalae, Sanonu.

While the parade was led mostly by women there were also some men who assisted the women in holding up the heavier fine mats. 

According to the president of the Falefa women’s committee, Leitu Salanoa, the event marked the conclusion of their activities of the year.

“Our members were excited and looked forward to this event with only five months of preparations,” she said.

Despite the heavy rain recently experienced by Samoa, the women kept their faith and marched in the hope that the weather would remain clear.

Their prayers were answered, as the son shone upon them for the entire parade; it was only after the showcase concluded and the fine mats had been safely stored away that the rain began to come down. 

She acknowledged God for his love in blessing all our mothers with the strength.

“I believe that with any plan the Lord must always be part of it for it to be successful and we give back the glory to God that we were able to host this event," she said.

“I also thank all the members from all sub-villages that gave their support for this initiative because working together makes everything run smoothly.

“It our hope that this activity will also benefit families because the fine mats showcased will be used by families during times of funerals and traditional gift giving while this event enabled them a platform to try and weave some of these fine mats.”

Mrs. Salanoa also said that this event was also significant for her because it is her last year as the president.

Another representative of the committee, Ane Moananu, said traditional fine mats are a significant part of Samoan culture and integral to upholding cultural traditions.

She said the committee is made of around 300 women.

“We did not think a lot of women would be able to partake but we were shocked to see the excitement and eagerness from all of them that showed up," Ms Moananu said.

“We also thank members of the police who accepted our request to ensure the safety of everyone but also because we had a parade on a public road, in case we might be implicated.

“We started our preparations in July of this year, and with four sub-villages.

“The showcase included eight Samoan traditionally woven fine mats and other fine mats of more than ten.”