The festival was created to celebrate and share Samoan culture — both with Samoans living at home and with the many Samoans living in New Zealand, Australia, and other countries who return home for the occasion. The whole of Apia comes alive with colour, music and activity. Fautasi (long boat) races in the harbour are among the most dramatic events.
During Teuila, performers from all the villages on both main islands come to Apia to show their best siva dances, fa'ataupati slap dances, and faleaitu comedy performances. Stalls sell traditional food including palusami, umu-cooked dishes and panikeke fritters. The smell of food cooking and the sound of drumming fill the streets.
The festival is also a time for showcasing Samoan tatau — the traditional art of body tattooing that has been practised in Samoa for over 2,000 years. Samoan tatau is one of the oldest and most complex tattooing traditions in the world and was recognised by UNESCO in 2023 as an important piece of intangible cultural heritage.