26th Annual Tafesilafa’i Festival 2023

From July 16, 2023 1:00 pm until July 22, 2023 6:00 pm

Categories: Festivals /Ho`olaule`a

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Tafesilafa’i Pacific Islander Festival (Tafe) is a yearly celebration of the Samoan and other Pacific Islander cultures, arts, and traditions in California. It began in 1997 as a way for the Samoan community to explore their identity and meaning. Now, it is also a platform to address the issues that affect the Pacific Islander communities. The festival takes place in Long Beach, California, where many Pacific Islanders live.

The festival reflects indigenous, cultural, and religious values that emphasize the importance of family, community, and others. These values are shown through music, dances, stories, and rituals that display the rich and diverse heritage of the Pacific Islands. The festival helps the participants to strengthen their faith, improve their skills and increase their cultural awareness as they share with others, showing respect for God, family, self, and others.

The festival also offers an educational opportunity for the public to learn more about the history, challenges, and achievements of the Pacific Islander communities in California and beyond. The festival is a week-long celebration of Samoan and Pacific Islander cultures, arts, and dances that ends with a grand finale at Recreation Park.

Tafe' is not just a cultural event, it is a social movement that gives the Pacific Islander communities a voice to express their concerns, celebrate their achievements, and maintain their identity. It is also a bridge that connects Pacific Islanders with other communities and promotes mutual understanding and respect. The festival represents a Pacific Islander epistemology that values face-to-face interactions and dialogues. The festival welcomes everyone to join and experience the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Islands.