ASG Kicks Off Samoan Heritage Festivities at Keehi Lagoon Park, Hawaii “Upega Matalili’i”

The American Samoa Government (ASG) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated Samoan Heritage Festivities at Keehi Lagoon Park.

The event, spanning from July 29 to August 1, 2023 promises to be a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Samoa. Honoring the spirit of unity and cultural exchange, the Samoan Heritage Festivities will witness the distinguished presence of two esteemed Governors.

Honorable Josh Greene, Governor of Hawaii, and Honorable Lemanu P. S. Mauga, Governor of American Samoa will grace the occasion with their remarkable presence and share their insightful remarks during the opening ceremony.

Other esteemed dignitaries include Afioga Mauga Tasi Asuega, Secretary of Samoan Affairs, and President of the Senate Tuaolo M. Fruean, and This year's celebration aims to strengthen the bonds between the Samoan communities and church youths in the Hawaii Islands and abroad, as they come together to celebrate their shared heritage.

Attendees can look forward to an array of traditional performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, cultural games, activities for children, and mouthwatering Samoan cuisine. ASG is proud to organize this event and extend a warm invitation to residents, visitors, and friends of American Samoa and Samoa to join in the festivities.

With a parade led by the US Marine Corps Band, live music, performances, and cultural workshops, the Samoan Heritage Festivities offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the essence of Samoa's vibrant traditions and values.

Don't miss this unique cultural extravaganza that celebrates the essence of Samoan heritage, and be a part of the remarkable journey to embrace diversity and strengthen cultural ties.

The full Program is attached to this release. For more information and updates, visit the American Samoa Government website and social media page.

ASG is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of American Samoa and fostering connections with neighboring communities to celebrate diversity and unity. The Samoan Heritage Initiative Program’s theme in Samoan is “Upega Matalili’i” which refers to a fisherman’s special net.

This net is intricately woven to capture the finest catch, so too are the Samoan social connections meticulously interwoven to pass on the culture, language, and essence of Samoans.

With each strand representing a family, a village, or a community, these social connections create a robust network that nurtures and preserves the rich heritage of Samoa.

Through a celebration as such, with storytelling, song, dance, and shared experiences, knowledge and traditions are delicately passed down from one generation to another, ensuring the continuity of a vibrant cultural tapestry.

Like the fisherman's net, these social connections are not just a means of preservation but also a symbol of unity, strength, and resilience, binding the Samoan people together with a shared sense of identity and purpose.

As they cast their nets into the vast ocean of time, Samoans embrace the interconnectedness of their society, safeguarding the treasures of their past while embracing the promise of their future.