Top Festivals and Events in Samoa

Discover a range of top festivals and events in Samoa held to celebrate cultural and significant historical events.

Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament (1st week in May, 2010) – Enter this popular competition to hook up the largest marlin, yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo or barracuda in this annual competition for both sexes.

Independence Day (1 June) – In 1962, Samoa became the first island nation in the Pacific to achieve its independence from colonial rule. Join the festivities and watch the fiercely contested ‘Fautasi Outrigger Canoe Race’ (using traditional long boats) when up to 12 long boats each with 50 canoeists race along the north coast of Upolu to finish in Apia Harbour.

Teuila Festival (5 to 11 September 2010) – Join in the fun at one of Samoa's most celebrated annual events. Watch cultural displays including weaving, carving and traditional dance as well as fashion parades, cricket tournaments, canoe racing and the eagerly anticipated fautasi race.

White Sunday (2nd Sunday in October) – Watch this special Samoan festival held annually to celebrate children. Visit one of the hundreds of churches around the country to see congregations singing in crisp white outfits.

Flag Day (American Samoa – 17 Apr 2010) – Watch traditional Samoan dancing and singing, sports, colourful parades and Fautasi (longboat) racing during American Samoa's biggest event – Flag Day. The event celebrates the first raising of the American flag on 17 April 1900 when Captain B F Tilley of the US Navy claimed the island for America.