As excitement swirls around King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Apia, the residents of Savai'i are embracing a different kind of anticipation: the arrival of palolo. 

Early Thursday morning, many locals ventured out to catch the prized delicacy, while others made their way to Salelologa market for the first harvest of the season. 

Canoes have been prepared and are ready for Friday's ocean outings, with hopes of a bountiful catch.

Recent heavy rainfall has fueled optimism among Samoans, with some believing it signals a plentiful palolo rise this year. Palolo sales have been between $150 to $1000.

The Samoa Meteorological Service has confirmed that the palolo is expected to surface on Friday, October 25. 

Traditionally, palolo, a type of eunicid worm (Eunice viridis), is collected twice a year, just before the last quarter of the moon in October and November. The creatures burrow in coral reefs and emerge in large numbers to breed, making them a highly sought-after food source.

The timing of the palolo rise aligns with the lunar cycle, occurring seven days after the full moon in October and November. 

Weather officials explain that this phenomenon is intricately linked to both the lunar phases and tidal patterns. Areas with healthy coral are anticipated to yield more palolo, while locations with damaged reefs may see fewer.

In conjunction with the palolo season, various hotels and beach fale operators in Savai'i are gearing up for the annual Palolo Festival, which features festivities across several venues on the island. The blooming of the fragrant moso’oi flower is culturally viewed as an indicator of the palolo worm's spawning season, adding to the excitement.

According to local beliefs, palolo will rise on the seventh morning following the full moon, particularly above deeper sections of the surrounding reefs. This rare culinary delight is only available once or twice a year, making the palolo feast a cherished occasion. 

To enhance their chances of a successful catch, locals often don clean clothing and wear moso’oi leis during the harvesting.

For the community, the term "palolo" represents more than just a food source; it embodies the arrival of spring and signifies a season rich in fishing opportunities and rain, aptly referred to as Vaipalolo.