Students Celebrate Samoa

It’s all about Fa’a Samoa.

Students from around Hawaii gathered at Polynesian Cultural Center May 9 to show off their knowledge, skill and pride in the Samoan way.

The High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival featured students in a series of cultural practices and life skills beginning with traditional oratory in Samoan. The students then engaged in a series of traditional Samoan activities, including coconut husking, basket weaving, banana peeling and fire making.

Students practiced for months to help ingrain in them a stronger understanding of their history and culture.

The event, which was part of the annual We Are Samoa Festival, concluded with each club performing Samoan songs and dances that showcased their understanding and cultural interpretation.