Every year on the first of June, is a significant public holiday for Samoa. 

It was 1962 the first time Samoa achieved its independence from the New Zealand Government. 

It is major occasion and of course it is the people that bring color to the heart of Apia, at the 55th Independence Day Celebration. 

Thousands gathered in front of the government building to watch the flag-raising ceremony. 

More than 30 groups participated in the march including school children, government ministries, organizations, businesses and family groups.  

This was the first time the Independence Day program was held in front of the government building. 

The parade was led by the Ministry of Police and the Royal Samoa Police band. 

The group who had the most people marching was the Yazaki Eds which had more than 300 employees. 

It will be their last participation with Independence festivities as their last day of operation is 25, August 2017, according to Cabinet. 

Their company first revealed its plan to shut down its operations in Samoa last October. Members of the public who had food stalls near the festivities areas, were bright and early with parking has been prohibited from the main area. 

The celebration ended with performances from Don Bosco Technical College, Maluafou College, Wesley College, Taga Savai’i and Apia concluded the entertainment. 

Here are some more photos from the Independence.