10 Biggest Events & Festivals in American Samoa

One of the biggest events in the American Samoan calendar, the Moso'oi Festival is a celebration of all things American Samoa! The festival is named after the fragrant yellow moso'oi flower, which blooms in abundance at this time of year and is used as decorations for the event.

Every September through November, the festival celebrates with music, dance, art and traditional practices. You'll see plenty of live performances and food stalls throughout the festivities.

Throughout the weekends of September to November, events like beauty pageants, open mic nights, fashion shows, dance competitions and more take place across Tutuila. There are also demonstrations of traditional Samoan arts and crafts, tattooing and lots and lots of food!

The festival's highlight is the Miss Moso'i pageant, which crowns the festival queen. The event is organised by the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE), which does exactly what their name sets out to do.

The festival is usually held from September to November, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website for the upcoming dates.

Organised by Miss American Samoa Incorporated, this spectacular event typically takes place in June and showcases the incredible talent and cultural pride of American Samoa.

Beauty pageants hold a special place throughout the South Pacific, and American Samoa is no exception with its own vibrant pageant tradition. These competitions are far more than just beauty contests – they're cultural celebrations where contestants demonstrate their deep connection to their heritage through traditional skills like the perfect 'ava ceremony and the art of wearing a lavalava (traditional sarong).

The winner becomes an important cultural ambassador during her year-long reign, representing American Samoa in tourism promotion and competing in the prestigious Miss Pacific Islands pageant.

If you're fortunate enough to witness one of these pageants during your visit, you'll experience an authentic slice of American Samoan culture that goes well beyond the glitz and glamour – it's a genuine celebration of tradition, talent and community pride.

The festival is usually held throughout June, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website or social media for the upcoming dates.

Held on April 17 (just like in the US), Flag Day is a fascinating celebration that perfectly captures American Samoa's unique position as an unincorporated US territory. What makes this event special is how it celebrates both the connection to America and the fierce pride in Samoan culture that sets this territory apart.

The festivities kick off with a flag-raising ceremony that you'll find unlike any Flag Day you've experienced before: a brass band playing as schoolboys wearing traditional lavalava march in a military parade, proudly holding both the American and American Samoan flags. You'll also witness a traditional 'ava ceremony. It's a beautiful blend of cultures that we find absolutely captivating.

Don't miss the additional events that typically take place during the celebration or in the days following. Fautasi (traditional canoe) races are a highlight, and there's usually a vibrant trade fair happening around Utulei near Pago Pago where you can soak up the local atmosphere.

The festival is usually held during the weekend of April 17, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website or social media for the upcoming dates.

July 16 marks a significant moment in American Samoa's history - the anniversary of when the Manu'a Islands officially joined the United States. Back in 1904, King Tui Manu'a Elisara signed the Deed of Cession, pledging allegiance and formally ceding the islands to the US.

Much like American Samoa Flag Day, Manu'a Cession Day (also known as Manu'a Flag Day) is a celebration that honours the three outer islands: Ta'ū, Ofu and Olosega. The pride these communities hold for their heritage is absolutely infectious, and it shows in how they celebrate - not for just one day, but for three whole days!

If you're looking to experience authentic island culture, the villages of the Manu'a Islands are where you'll want to be during this time. On Ta'ū, you can witness the 'ava and flag-raising ceremony in Ta'ū Village. Meanwhile, across the islands, you'll find everything from spirited volleyball and cricket matches to live DJ sets, mouth-watering BBQ and vibrant agricultural farm fairs. Don't miss the traditional fa'afiafiaga performances either, giving you a real taste of Samoan culture at its finest.

The festival is usually held during the weekend of July 16, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website or social media for the upcoming dates.

You'll find that Palolo Rise is less of a festival and more of a treasured community tradition that's been passed down through generations in American Samoa.

This fascinating natural phenomenon happens when reef worms called palolo rise to the surface during the waning moon in October or November. While it attracts predatory fish, locals see it as the perfect opportunity to catch a rare seafood delicacy!

Don't expect huge festivals or formal celebrations during this time. Instead, you'll witness something far more authentic – villagers heading out to the reefs with their nets, proudly exchanging stories and selling palolo in both raw and cooked pastes.

From what we've experienced, it's one of those special moments that gives you a real glimpse into traditional Samoan life. The excitement in the community is palpable, and you'll love seeing how this ancient practice continues to bring people together.

Learn more about what palolo is on our sister site, Samoa Pocket Guide.

Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Polynesian tattooing at Tisa's Tattoo Festival, a captivating two-day cultural celebration held every October. This authentic festival, now in its third decade, offers visitors the rare opportunity to witness traditional tatau being created using time-honoured tapping methods—a painful yet deeply meaningful rite of passage in Samoan culture.

Watch skilled local artists demonstrate techniques believed to have originated right here in the Samoan Islands, marking the birthplace of Polynesian tattooing. For those seeking their own permanent souvenir, the festival provides the chance to receive a traditional tatau yourself, though participants must be at least 15 years old and free from diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart and liver conditions.

Check out upcoming dates on Tisa's Tattoo Festival Facebook Page.

American Samoa Tourism Week transforms September into a vibrant celebration of local culture, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the heart of the community. This annual festival showcases the best of local traditions through carefully curated cultural activities that change each year based on the event's unique theme.

From bustling bazaars filled with handcrafted treasures to traditional performances and cultural demonstrations, Tourism Week provides an immersive experience that goes far beyond typical tourist attractions. The week-long celebration brings together locals and visitors in a festive atmosphere where authentic cultural exchange takes centre stage.

Each year's theme ensures fresh experiences, whether focusing on traditional crafts, culinary heritage or performing arts. The variety of activities means there's something new to discover throughout the week, making it an ideal time to experience genuine local culture in its most celebratory form.

Every September or October, American Samoa comes alive with Coastweeks, an annual celebration that blends environmental awareness with community fun. This territory-wide event brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate and protect the islands' stunning coastal resources through activities that are both educational and entertaining.

You'll find everything from paddling challenges and eco-tours of protected wetlands to art competitions and family-friendly beach days. The event typically runs for about two weeks, featuring sports tournaments, workshops on natural resource management, and even an eco-golf challenge that's become quite popular with participants.

Coastweeks also kicks off the larger PALS programme (People, Air, Land, and Sea), which continues monthly celebrations through to December's holiday festival. It's organised by the American Samoa Coastal Management Program at the Department of Commerce, and it's a brilliant way to connect with local environmental efforts whilst having a great time.

The festivities usually culminate with a fantastic family fun day at Su'iga'ula Beach Park in Utulei, complete with food, games and entertainment. For the full programme of events, visit www.doc.as.gov.

Christmas in American Samoa is beautifully unique, blending traditional Samoan culture with festive holiday spirit in ways you'll absolutely love.

The celebrations centre around family and faith, beginning with heartfelt church services on Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25). What follows is truly special—families gather for a magnificent feast called a to'ona'i, prepared using the traditional umu (earth oven) that fills the air with incredible aromas.

Gift-giving here is wonderfully practical. Sons might receive tools, whilst families exchange presents that truly matter in daily life.

Communities come alive with carols, dramatic performances, and the highlight of the season—the annual Christmas Float Parade. This festive tradition brings everyone together in a magical celebration that you simply don't want to miss. It usually takes place midway through December.

Here's something that'll charm you: since evergreen trees aren't native to the islands, locals get wonderfully creative with their Christmas trees. You'll spot ingenious decorations made from banana plants or coconut palms, adorned with twinkling lights and colourful ornaments. It's resourcefulness at its most delightful.

The streets fill with laughter, music and that unmistakable glow of the season, creating unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.

Oh, and by the way, "Manuia Le Kerisimasi" means "Merry Christmas" in Samoan.

Easter in American Samoa is a deeply meaningful celebration that beautifully blends faith with vibrant community spirit. You'll find the heart of the holiday centres around moving church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

What we love most about Easter here is the incredible sense of togetherness. In the days surrounding the holiday, families and communities come together for large communal feasts called to'anai, creating an atmosphere that's both sacred and joyful.

The visual spectacle is equally captivating. Many churches transform into stunning displays of Easter colours: rich purples, vibrant reds and pristine whites that create a truly memorable backdrop for worship.

As locals say, "Manuia le Eseta!" – Happy Easter!