Teuila Festival: A celebration of culture, tradition and music

In Sāmoa, the Teuila Festival marks 34 years this week.

In Aotearoa, it is the first time the celebrations are being held in the Waikato.

Teuila Festival showcases Sāmoa's traditions and music, Lesa Apulu Landy Nonoa-Tyrell, president of the Waikato Sāmoan Association, says.

She says this weekend's event in Kirikiriroa Hamilton is going to be a "great celebration" that promises a rich display of the Sāmoan culture.

"There are three sections to the event. It's going to start with an oratory, which is an opportunity for our youth to speak in our leo," she told Pacific Days'.

Watch Waikato Samoan Association Peresitene Lesa Apulu Landy Nonoa-Tyrell talanoa about the First Teuila Festival in Kirikiriroa.

"And then the belle of the ball, the fashion show that is catered to our elders.

"We've got over 15 stalls that are participating. It's our first, and we want to keep it to a number that we can maintain. And then next year, we'll make it a lot bigger.

"It's the first one in Waikato, health and safety first, and you know, just getting to know how to run it.

"Beautiful food of different aiga participating, as well as promotional stores of organisations here in the Waikato from across the Pacific, and also information and education, how many stores that will be promoting their services."

Teuila Festival opened in Apia on Monday and highlighted iconic performances and celebrations.

Teuila Festival opens in Apia.

The event, one of the largest annual festivals in the South Pacific, sees thousands of visitors and performers gather in Sāmoa.

The year's festival will also feature the popular Miss Sāmoa Pageant.

Members of the Tourism Industry will also be hosting events throughout the week in commemoration of the Festival.

There are a variety of activities and events ensuring there is something for everyone.

Festival CEO Toleafoa Pativaine Tevita, and Chair Niumata Kitiona Pogi, have both revealed to local media that Teuila will feature a blend of traditional performances, handicraft stalls, and a variety of entertainment.

The Apia festival is being held at Matagialalua Friendship Park, followed by the Teuila Cultural Siva Exhibition in the evening.

Sāmoa Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa addresses the crowd at Teuila Festival.

The sole night of cultural performances includes traditional dances such as the mauluulu, sasa, faataupati, taualuga, and the siva ailao afi, offering a glimpse into Sāmoan heritage.

On Tuesday, visitors can explore the food and handicraft stalls during the day, with the Teuila Variety Show taking place in the evening.

The festivities continue on Wednesday with the Premiere Night of the Digicel Miss Samoa Pageant 2024, which includes four categories: introductions, sarong, puletasi, and a new ‘coconut’ category.

Thursday will mirror Tuesday’s schedule with stalls open throughout the day and another variety show in the evening.

Friday, however, brings the most anticipated events of the festival, as the day will feature the Digicel Miss Samoa Floral Float Parade and the closing ceremony and Miss Sāmoa Pageant Crowning.

The Waikato Teuila Festival will be held on 7 September from 10am at the K'aute Pasifika Fale, 100 Seddon Road, Frankton, Hamilton.

Guests at the opening of Teuila Festival in Apia.