Eleven fautasi signed up to participate in this year's Flag Day regatta

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The crew members of Paepaeulupo’o of Aua as they prepared for yesterday’s practice session, in anticipation of the 2025 Flag Day Regatta, which is tentatively scheduled for this coming Tuesday, April 15 or Wednesday, April 16 — which day it will be held depends on weather conditions.

With over 40 enthusiastic rowers, the fautasi crew has honed their skills and built teamwork since they commenced training in January. Under the guidance of Skipper Utaifeau Leonard Liufau, the team is focused as Andrew Pelesasa leads the comprehensive training program.

Chairman of the Fautasi Race Committee, Sen Gaotoete P. Tofau has announced that if the race is held on Tuesday, April 15, there will be only one race and it will be 5 miles long.

If the race is moved to Wednesday, April 16 due to bad weather, the course will be shortened to 3 miles and there will be two preliminary heats and a final race.

The first heat would have 6 fautasi and the second one would have 5 fautasi, according to  The top four from the first heat and the top 3 from the 2nd heat will then compete in the finals.

There are 11 fautasi participating, including the two from Nuuuli — the low rider and the Manulele Tausala #2 — as well as the newly built Fale o Latia from Pavai’a’i. Lanes have been drawn by the 11 captains.

The 125th Flag Day 2025 celebration theme is “Ta Mau le Fa’amoemoe”.

Recognition of the 125th Flag Day anniversary is according to a memo from the Governor’s Office set for Wednesday, April 16th and “will be observed as part of the holiday in American Samoa.”

It states that Thursday, April 17th, is the official Flag Day holiday with all government offices closed on both days, and normal activities suspended.

Good Friday, April 18th will also be recognized as a “sacred day” and “as a time to reflect on the Atonement of Jesus Christ...” Government offices will also be closed on this day.

With Good Friday included, a 5-day weekend is part of the Flag Day celebrations which culminates with Easter Sunday.

Celebrations begin on Sunday, April 13th, with a church service to be held at the Kanana Foundation CCCAS chapel at 2p.m. Faafiafiaga at the Malae o le Talu, Fagatogo begin on Monday at 6 pm. with 28 groups expected to perform throughout three nights in the Fagatogo Pavilion. They are hosted by the Performing Arts Festival.

The US naval band will also perform during the Arts Council Flay Day Festival and the Flag Day ceremony. They are here on island for the first local celebration of the US Navy’s 250-year history — Navy Week.