5 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 for the upcoming dates.

Held on 17th April (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 17th April, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website for the upcoming dates.

July 16th 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. 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 16th July, but check out the American Samoa Visitors Bureau's website 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 – locals 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.