Samoan passion is contagious

The transformation of Taumeasina into a world-class tourism property is an impressive job.

The Samoa Cultural village last week was a hive of activities when the Teuila Festival was in full swing. Among other things, it was an opportunity for Samoans to show foreigners some of Samoa’s age-old culture and traditions in a fun and interactive way. For example, they showed visitors how to make palusami (coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves), taught them how to dance the fa’ataupati (slap dance) and even gave them weaving lessons.

Many of the tourists came from Japan, China, New Zealand and Switzerland. They spent endless hours marveling at the speed and fluency of the Samoans in what they do best.

Asked how they felt, they said it was one their best memories of Samoa, saying it was enjoyable and a lot of fun.

Estelle for example, who is visiting from Switzerland, was privileged to have been part of show.

“I can’t see this kind of event and experience this kind of traditional culture in my country,” she said. “So this is good opportunity for me to know and deepen my understanding about Samoan culture.”

Kenji, who is from Japan, said he enjoyed how Samoans learn to live of the environment.

“I’m interested in the Samoan culture because it is totally different from Japanese,” he said. “This is what I wanted to see and experience when I came to Samoa.”

Kenji says he hopes the Samoans continue to maintain their traditions and pass them from generation to generation. “My trip to Samoa has given me a new appreciation of my own culture,” he says. “When I return back to Japan, I would have a different appreciation of my culture, having seen how Samoans embrace theirs.”