Celebrations in Samoa today to mark 50 years of independence feature competitions that range from floats to sport.
Visiting leaders from around the Pacific and other dignitaries will then attend an independence day ball.
From Apia, Philippa Tolley reports.
"Floats competing in the Independence Day competitions will be accompanied by US and New Zealand Navy Bands. At the same time there will be an arts and crafts show. It will also be a day of sports from rug y and netball to golf and horse racing. The final competition for the day will be among string bands."
