The official celebrations of Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary was in full-swing at the Matagialalua Friendship park on Thursday morning. 

The Government returned to Upolu after spending two days in Savai'i, where they celebrated the independence anniversary with residents of the big island in Salelologa, before returning to Apia. 

There were seven different dance groups and choirs from seven different constituencies in the country who provided entertainments for hundreds of people who gathered to witness the special occasion. 

The groups were from Fa'asaleleaga No. 3, Lefaga and Falease'ela, Poutasi Falealili, Salega No. 2, Sagaga No. 4, Gagaifomauga No. 2 and Gagaemauga No. 1. 

Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II and his good lady were also among the special guests at the celebrations. 

The Samoan community from across the country including some from overseas joined the crowd to enjoy the traditional performances by the different groups. There were also variety show and comedy happening at the Main stage later on that evening. 

On Friday morning, there will be an Independence Floral Float Parade starting from the Vaisigano Bridge to the main stage at the Matagialalua followed by the prize giving and closing ceremony for this week's festivities. 

The festivities this week kicked off with gospel singing from different theological colleges in the country at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Hall at Sogi. 

The start of the week-long celebration also coincided with the visit of the New Zealand's Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro and her partner Dr. Chris Richard Davies, with the Vice Regal returning to Aotearoa on Thursday. 

The finale of this week's celebration is scheduled for Saturday night with the Miss Samoa Pageant at Gym 1, Tuanaimato where a new Miss Samoa will be crowned from among the eight contestants. The pageant returns after a two and a half year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.