Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated in Samoa every 26th of December. The occasion evolved from a British tradition wherein the upper class would give gifts or 'Christmas boxes' to their staff on the day after Christmas. As the South Pacific nation once was a British colony, the traditions associated with Boxing Day persisted even after the end of colonial times.
In Samoa, Boxing Day is not simply an extended holiday, but a time for fun, relaxation and socialization. Amidst the summer heat, Samoans gather with their families for feasts and gift exchanges. The day is often punctuated with music, dance, and a variety of outdoor activities significant to the Island's culture.
The true joy of Boxing Day in Samoa lies in its unity and communal spirit. In essence, it serves as a bridge between the joyous celebration of Christmas and the reflective mood of the upcoming New Year. Despite the country's troubled colonial past, Samoans have embraced and transformed this once exclusively British holiday into a unique, vibrant celebration of Samoan culture, hospitality and generosity.