Wednesday morning's scorching heat did not dampen the patriotism of Savai'i residents who joined thousands of Samoans near and far in marking the nation's 60th Independence anniversary.

An ocean away from where the main ceremony was held at Tiafau Mulinu'u, where Samoa's first female Prime Minister hoisted the national flag of Samoa, villages across the big island assembled and held their own services to mark the historic occasion.

In a first for Samoa, with the Government tasking villages and districts across the country to host their own celebrations, Savai'i embraced the opportunity with both hands. 

At the central north coast of Savai'i, the village of Safune within the Gagaifomauga No.2 electoral constituency had a parade from Matavai to Faletagaloa and the residents gathering in front of the Safune Primary School for their Independence service. 

Reverend Vaueli Sanerivi of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) parish at Faletagaloa officiated the ceremony and reminded the gathering about God's unwavering love over Samoa in the last six decades. 

Mixed feelings were expressed by the villagers as it was the first time ever for the three sub-villages in Safune to gather to commemorate Samoa's Independence Day.

The High Chief of Safune, Tugaga Tevesi David spoke about the importance of the celebration and also commended the Government for the initiative to ask all villages and districts to participate in this year's celebration. 

"One significance of having our own programme is that we do not have to go to Apia to know that we are celebrating our Independence Day," Tuagaga said. 

"This is a great initiative because it is also an opportunity for the young and the old from the districts and villages to come together and reflect on Samoa's journey thus far. 

"Nevertheless, this year's celebration is definitely one that we will always remember. In the previous years, we would just watch the main programmes happening in Mulinu'u from our home during Independence. 

"It is such an important event that everyone in this country should celebrate."

Tugaga was also given the honour to hoist the Samoan national flag in front of the gathering.

Away from Safune, the village of Safa'i in the Gagaemauga No.2. constituency also had their own festivities to celebrate this year's Independence celebration. 

The village was decorated with blue, white and red flags on the side of the road, banners with congratulatory messages written on it, and also Samoan flags all throughout the village. 

They also had fun games and rekindling of one of Samoa's traditional game, kilikiti Samoa (Samoan cricket). 

Other villages across the island of Savai'i divided themselves into teams and hosted different programmes such as fun games, traditional dances and float parades.

The Government of Samoa last month called on all the constituencies across the country to prepare their own programmes to commemorate Samoa's Golden Jubilee until the 31st of May, 2023.