The beautiful Pacific nation of Samoa hasn’t always been a laid-back paradise. Since the 18th century, Samoa has been hit with European expansionism followed by colonialism. However, the way of Samoa was fortunately not lost, as traditional culture still dominates this Westernized Pacific island nation.

History

European contact in Samoa didn’t begin until the 18th century. However, at this time, both Samoa (Western Samoa) and American Samoa were not separate entities. The Dutch and the French made contact with Samoa well before English missionaries began arriving to the islands in the 1830s. The famous English missionary, John Williams, ignited Samoa’s affection for Christianity. Before the end of the 18th century, German influence had also begun to surface throughout the islands.

By the end of the 19th century, the Samoan islands were seen as an important refueling stop for whalers and traders. Therefore, British, German, and US forces arrived into the area, bent on protecting their individual claims to the islands. Two civil wars erupted in 1889 and 1898 respectively. The British, American, and German military assisted the warring parties. These conflicts eventually led to the splitting of Samoa into two parts with the Tripartite Convention of 1899 – German Samoa and American Samoa.

From 1899 to 1914, German administration controlled the commercial and political aspects of Samoa, with assistance from the local chieftain advisers. At the start of WWI, New Zealand sent a force to German Samoa at the request of Britain, and subsequently occupied the islands. During New Zealand’s tenure as administrator of Samoa, several important events occurred.

In 1918-1919, 20 percent of the Samoan population died of influenza brought over by New Zealand ships. Between 1918 and the 1930s, peaceful protests against colonial occupation arose. The Mau movement, which began in the late 19th century, became more prominent in the 1920s and 1930s. On December 28, 1928, a peaceful protest turned violent, resulting in the deaths of more than a dozen Samoans. This later became known as Black Saturday. In 1962, Samoa eventually gained independence from New Zealand.

After independence, Samoa had relied heavily on tourism and agricultural exports to drive its economy. However, nowadays, Samoa’s major business partners are New Zealand and Australia. This became more evident when Samoa moved to the west of the International Date Line in 2011, transforming their time zone to better suit ties with the larger Pacific nations, rather than America. Visit the Museum of Samoa (Malifa, Apia, Samoa) to find more information about the country’s interesting past.

Culture

Even though Samoa has been strongly influenced by European powers, fa’a Samoa, which is translated to ‘the Samoan way’, is still prevalent throughout the country. Traditional language, food, dance, music, and song is evident in today’s modern society. Nevertheless, despite the thriving traditional culture of Samoa, the country is still profoundly Christian.

Tattooing is a very important part of traditional and modern Samoan culture. As in other Polynesian cultures, Samoan tattoo artists can be found at local villages. Samoan tribes and families have their own unique tattoos, and the art is still widely practiced across the islands.

Sport is an essential part of life for Samoans. Rugby is the main sport played throughout the country. Even though the population of Samoa is relatively small, the national team usually does well on the international stage, especially in seven-a-side rugby. Samoan cricket is another popular sport played throughout the country.

Samoa holidays include various festivals and events that fall across a range of categories. Tourists can enjoy traditional, cultural, sporting, and religious events throughout the year. The Teuila Festival is certainly one of the most inspiring events on the calendar. It falls in the month of September, celebrating the cultural splendor that echoes throughout Samoa. When it comes to music, the Apia Jazz Festival is the pinnacle event of the year.

Apia Arts and Crafts Festival

The Apia Arts and Crafts Fair is a busy festival every March. It is located in the capital city of Samoa, and not only focuses on local artistic talent, but also traditional handicrafts from across the nine islands of Samoa. Visitors should head to the local markets in Apia to experience this event at its best.

Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament

In the month of April, Samoa plays host to the International Game Fishing Tournament. The event actually spans across an entire week, encompassing the final days of April and the first few days of May. The abundance of clear skies, beautiful waters, and challenging game fish species makes Samoa a perfect spot for this famous tournament.

Fire Knife Festival

The interesting Fire Knife Festival is part of the much more renowned Samoa Festival, which is held in the month of May. The competition is held in the Polynesian Cultural Center, and includes both adult entrants and high school entrants. Of course, there are plenty of other traditional cultural displays found throughout the event.

Fautasi Outrigger Canoe

One of the best sporting events in the country is the Fautasi Outrigger Canoe competition. Occurring in the month of June, this outrigger race has become the most loved water race in Samoa. The competition begins at the north coast of Upolu, but then ends at Apia Harbor. Twelve long boats compete in the event each year.

Independence Day

On the 31 May every year, Samoa celebrates its independence from New Zealand administration. The entire country gets into the festive mood on this day, with traditional dances, artwork, cuisine, and music available for all locals and tourists. Even the smaller villages get into the spirit of this occasion, so visitors can enjoy Samoan Independence wherever they stay.

Tafesilafa’i Festival

Held over the last 16 years, the Tafesilafa’i Festival is a celebration of Pacific Island culture. Tourists flock from all over the Pacific to witness the cultural spectacle that is Tafesilafa’i. The event begins at the end of July and spans the first week of August. More than 28,000 visitors come for part or all of the festival each year.

Teuila Festival

Teuila Festival is Samoa’s main event. A range of fascinating cultural happenings are found during September’s Teuila Festival, including cuisine displays, traditional dance performances, canoe racing and more. The event usually lasts for several days, and is most prevalent in the capital city of Samoa, Apia.

Apia Jazz Festival

Jazz performers are drawn to Apia in September, as this is when the city hosts its annual Jazz Festival. Several different spots are home to the best in jazz music during this month. Even some of the more famous jazz musicians from across the globe love to make their way to Samoa for the event.

Western Samoa

Original Samoan Words

Samoa, tula’i ma sisi ia lau fu’a, lou pale lea;

(repeat)

Vaai i na fetu o loo ua agiagia ai;

Le faailoga lea o Iesu na maliu ai mo Samoa Oi!

Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.

‘Aua e te fefe, o le Atua lo ta fa’a vae

O lota Sa’o lotoga,

Samoa, tu’la’i, ia agiagia lau

Fu’a lou pale lea.

English:

Samoa, arise and raise your banner, your crown;
(repeat)
Look at those stars that are appealing;
This is the sign that Jesus died for Samoa.
Samoa, hold your authority forever.
Fear not, God is our foundation
The West Coast,
Samoa, announce, please read
This is your crown.