The cost of hosting the Independence Day celebrations this year is $5 million, according to Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Anarosa Mulioo.

She announced the official plans for Samoa’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, which will start from Friday, 29 May and continue until 1 June. 

She said the programmes were decided by the cabinet. On Friday, 29 May, there will be a march for teams in front of the government building.

On Saturday, 30 May, the celebrations will continue with the opening of the taalolo  (cultural presentation of assistance)for the work of the Legislative Assembly building.

"There will be 11 taalolo prepared from Savaii, Upolu and Aiga le tai," said Mulipola

On Sunday, 31 May, there will be a thanksgiving church service held at the Tupulaga Hall in Sogi.

On Monday, 1 June, Samoa’s Independence Day, there will be a church service to open the celebrations, followed by performances, flag raising, fautasi racing, and a concert in front of the government building. 

She said eight committees are preparing for the celebration. There will be five fautasi teams from American Samoa in the competition. Two local musical bands will be performing, along with five groups of marching girls. The performances, songs, and dances will be done by districts from both Upolu and Savai'i.

She said the purpose of the programme is not only to celebrate Independence Day but also to strengthen nationalism and bring everyone together as one.