Tafesilafa’i Festival

Tafesilafa'i translates to "face to face greeting." This festival allows the Pacific Islander community to meet face to face and share experiences, ideas, and resources, as well as break bread and be together. The event first took place in 1997, with only a few hundred people in attendance.

The youth groups that participate might expect to feel accomplished afterward. After their performance, they celebrate the long hours they spent learning their pieces, polishing their crafts, and fellowshipping with others. Second, an understanding of diversity. There are minor variances and nuances to be recognized and given attention to even within ostensibly homogeneous societies. The Festival will model the idea that the Island Nations' resilience and strength comes from their variety. Finally, the Tafesilafa'i Festival serves as a reminder of their rich history. It's an acceptance of who they are, where they came from, and where they fit in.

Date: August