Pacific Arts Festival, Part II

Two days in a row I have spent hours and hours at the festival. I now have one very tired little baby on my hands so we are enjoying a day of rest at home. The festival is wonderful -- it completely exceeds my expectations. I am thoroughly impressed with American Samoa for the preparation and logistics of this event. It is amazing to see our island transformed into a global community. I love being surrounded by different languages, sights, and sounds.

During the day yesterday, I saw dances from Nuie, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, Cook Islands, and Wallis & Futuna. Below are pictures of the Chamorro dancers. The Chamorro are the indigenous people of Guam and CNMI.

My favorite of the day was the Cook Islands. The girls' hip shaking and swaying is mesmerizing, and who doesn't love a coconut bra? I especially appreciated one dance and song that was all about their love and respect of nature.