This year’s Teuila Festival has been incorporated into the year-long 60th Independence anniversary celebrations within and outside Samoa.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga made the clarification when giving details on the celebrations in September this year.

As a member of the Sub-Committee for the Independence celebrations, the Commissioner said there will not be any Teuila Festival this year with the 60th Independence anniversary celebrations taking precedence.

"I am the chair of the Sub-Committee titled the Faafiafiaga a Samoa. It entails traditional performances such as songs and dances," he said in an interview. 

Tanuvasa emphasised that the changes are due to the COVID-19 lockdown and being reasonable due to the 12-months long celebrations. 

"The Independence Committee has dispersed the tradition of June's independence celebrations to spread across the months of the year, not just because of COVID-19 restrictions but also because the Government felt that it was appropriate for the historical journey of Samoa.”

The Commissioner also pointed out that the much awaited Miss Samoa pageant will also be held in September and will be run by the Manaia Events Incorp.  

"Yes, the popular Miss Samoa will be held in September along with other activities, but the final program will be released by the main Independence Celebrations Committee which is chaired by the Prime Minister herself," he said. 

"The secretary of the Committee is consequently the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo.” 

A number of villages have already signed up for the Fa'afiafiaga (traditional performances) concept of the celebration. 

"Several villages on Upolu and Savai'i will be part of the Samoan performances, or fa'afiafiaga," he said.

"Bear in mind that there are other activities happening in each district included in the celebrations, like the meriments of villages in their talomua harvests and women's committee's showcasing their handiworks.

"This also includes the arrival of the New Zealand Prime Minister next week as one of the main activities for the year long celebrations.” 

The newly appointed C.E.O of the Samoa Tourism Authority, Pativaine Petaia Tevita, told the Samoa Observer that there will be no Teuila Festival this year with the annual event getting merged with the 60th Independence anniversary program.

"There is no Teuila Festival this year, the week that is usually called the Teuila week will now be for the 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations," she said.