Minister says thank you for keeping Samoa beautiful

By Ilia L. Likou 09 September 2017, 12:00AM

The 27th Annual Teuila Festival ended yesterday after a week of drawing hundreds of people to the Teuila Stage for cultural activities and entertainment.

The Minister of Tourism, Salā Fata Pinati, thanked everyone involved – and invited them and tourists to return again next year.

But he was especially grateful to the people of Samoa for keeping Samoa beautiful.

 “Thank you to our people and the village communities whom without we will not be able to ensure a beautiful Samoa,” Salā said.

“Through the sustaining of our cultural and natural heritage and the respectful pride and hospitality that is iconic of our people in the hosting of our overseas visitors.

“Not only that but in maintaining of these beautiful islands that we have inherited, and call our home.”

The Minister added that the Teuila Festival is all about promoting Samoa as a tourism destination.

 “It’s another way to express ourselves in laughter, song and dance, arts and crafts, games, and entertaining activities.

“As well as appreciating our chefs and the food, and most especially in expressing our gratitude to God through the beautiful hymn presentations by the Christian Church Denominations.”

He reminded visitors about Poet, Rupert Brooke’s description of Samoa.

“..that Samoans were ‘the loveliest people in the world, moving and dancing like god’s and goddesses, very quietly and mysteriously, and utterly content,” he quoted. 

“We pray that our cultural song and dance would have moved all in the same way.   

“We trust that all have enjoyed the 27th Annual Teuila Festival, and we look forward to your joining us again next year with your families and friends.

Representative of the Cultural Dancing Group from Leulumoega Tuai,  Seloti Seloti, believes Samoa has so much to offer in terms of culture.

 “We have a unique culture through dancing that sets us apart from other cultures,” he said.

“Personally this is very important for us because at the end of the day we hold very high values of ourselves and our communities.” 

Seloti said the Teuila is a great opportunity to showcase and share our culture with our visiting friends from all around the world.

“And also, a perfect way to showcase the different talents our people have in our own Samoan way.”

 

Prize Giving Results for the 27th 

Teuila Festival, 2017

1. Teuila Carving Competition – 1st - Amosa Feauai

2. Teuila Traditional & Fun Games – 1st - Methodist Leulumoega Tuai

3. Teuila String Bands – Paneta o le ola – 1st - Lalovi

4. Teuila Siva Ailao Afi – 1st - Lene Alema

5. Taupou & Aiuli – 1st – Catholic Church at Falefa 

6. Manaia and Fuataimi – 1st – Nono’a Sale’imoa

7. Mauluulu, Sasa, Fa’ataupati – 1st – Methodist Leulumoega Tuai

By Ilia L. Likou 09 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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