Christmas on the Waterfront Delights Crowds

Apia Waterfront was dressed up in twinkling light displays and installations for the celebration of the annual ‘Christmas on the Waterfront’ festival, bringing the city alive with community events and activities, as the country celebrated the festive season leading up to Christmas.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster said the festive event was a welcome celebration of peace and joy bringing family, friends and strangers together amid the uncertainties caused by Covid.

“Christmas is a time for hope. This event was created with the intention of lifting the spirits of our people and reminding us all that this is the season to renew our inspiration in Christ's universal message of peace on earth and good will toward all," said Toeolesulusulu. 

"As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, we give thanks for the blessings we have received this past year and pray for a more joyous and abundant new year."

The festival kicked off on Monday 20th December with Movies on the Big Screen made possible with the assistance of the Virtual Network Television (VNTV) of South Pacific Broadband Company. 

Movie-goers appreciated the popcorn and hotdogs on offer thanks to Bruno’s Magic Circus food truck. 

The outdoor movie event was the perfect opportunity for the community to connect in a wide open space, giving people the freedom to mingle, chat and laugh with new and old friends. 

The festivities continued on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December with live performances from local artists, church choirs and cultural dancing groups. The outdoor concert was hosted by dynamic duo, Young Sefa and Hugh Pati-Taylor who kept the crowds well and truly entertained with their comedic antics.

The highlight of the festival was the Christmas Parade, where Santa himself led a procession that included the iconic Royal Samoa Police Band and team from event sponsor Digicel along Beach Road, greeting spectators and treating the young and young at heart to a good old fashioned lolly scramble.

Reaching their final destination at the Event Space in front of FMFMII Government Building, the cheerful occasion continued with more live music entertainment and a chance for people to mix and mingle with Santa.

The popular Waterfront Night Market, which has become a staple in the events calendar this year, was also in full swing at the Samoa Cultural Village on Tuesday and Wednesday, with vendors offering diverse menus to cater for every palate including house and gift items on sale for the last minute Christmas shoppers.

Creating wonderful family memories was at the heart of the Night Market's mini carnival, a colourful and vibrant space dedicated to capturing childrens’ imaginations. With plenty of free fun rides, bouncy castles and games galore to keep the young ones amused in a safe environment, parents were able to relax and enjoy the view.

“Christmas is such an exciting time for families in Samoa and we wanted this year’s Christmas on the Waterfront event to be extra special” said Samoa Tourism Authority CEO, Fa’amatuainu Lenata’i Suifua. 

“We added new festive activities and many businesses have transformed the waterfront with Christmas Light Displays - it’s wonderful to see the community having fun and enjoying themselves. We thank the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their ongoing assistance with the display at the Event Space as part of their mission to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”

Apia City will continue to shine bright with holiday magic until the New Year with more festivities and events planned including live entertainment and the grand finale fireworks display to ring in 2022.