A sign on the Samoa Government building in Apia shows the countdown to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Photo: Louise Ternouth
Next week, 56 countries will be coming together for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
Preparations have been four years in the making, with businesses stockpiling supplies, villages decorating in each country's colours and a huge community effort to be ready to host.
The meeting comes off the back of the White Sunday public holiday, known as Lotu Tamaiti in Samoa, which has seen families out celebrating - singing, dancing and - of course - eating.
On Samoa's island Manono in the village of Salua, children at the Methodist church were performing for Lotu Tamaiti.
After Christmas, Lotu Tamaiti is the biggest public holiday of the year and falls on the second Sunday of October. People dress in their best white clothes for church - hence the name White Sunday.
Monday was also a public holiday - the Day after White Sunday, or Lotu-a-Tamaiti.
Apia's town centre was abuzz with shoppers looking for outfits on Saturday.
"It's going to be really hectic because, you know, White Sunday, kids are really important, and we try to give them the best of everything," one shopper told RNZ.
"We are coming here to buy some clothes to wear tomorrow, and I'm so happy because this time I'm going to hold everything I want," another said.
"Tomorrow's all for the kids. I've got four kids, so everything's just set and out of the way," another added.
At Tanoa clothing store, supervisor Anzac said they had been ordering stock for the last six months to prepare, and the last few days had been extremely busy.
"It was crazy yesterday and early this morning."
Even more people were expected to come in at the last minute on Saturday, Anzac said.
"It's like a habit in Samoa."
The buzz in town is set to continue, with the biannual CHOGM set to kick off next week. Fifty-six world leaders will be landing in Samoa, and each village was adopting a Commonwealth country, decorating the streets in their flag and colours.
Flags of some of the nations set to attend. Photo: Louise Ternouth
Locals are thrilled to be this year's host.
"I will introduce them [to] my country and my language. I will teach them," one said.
"I think it's a really good thing. It's also to bring in more tourists, and the tourism lately has not been at its peak. I think this is a really good thing for Samoa," another added.
On the south coast of Upolu, Sena Lei Resort and Spa will host King Charles and Queen Camilla.
In the 1970s, owner Poutasi Village High Chief Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale also met Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their royal visit to Samoa, when he worked at Apia's racing club.
A sign welcoming King Charles. Photo: Louise Ternouth
He said Sena Lei Resort and Spa had utilised three years of Covid lockdowns to get ready.
"We feel very honoured to have been chosen," he told RNZ.
Guests were already starting to check out of the resort to allow time for the final touches - switching out furniture, decorating and cleaning.
The western side of the resort was dedicated to the royal visitors and their entourage.
"We've always had the presidential villa, beautifully located right on the beach, and yeah, we're preparing that for their majesties. I have to also say that the presidential villa is looking as good as it was when we first opened it."
But he hoped the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui would not overshadow the occasion.
"Should I be worried? Of course, you know, about the leakage, and what negative impact that might have on our reefs and our fish life."
The Samoan Ports Authority extended the Apia's Port hours until Friday to allow businesses to clear their shipments before the CHOGM started.
Italian restaurant Paddles had been stockpiling ingredients for five months to ensure they had enough food to feed extra diners.
"At my home, my spare bedroom is full of Coke, wines, pastas, cans, tomatoes. Same goes for my mom and dad and also my sister's house," owner Giovanni Rossa told RNZ.
He added he would be delighted if the British royals stopped by.
"We are a very little island in the middle of the Pacific, but definitely we have so much soul, love, grace and family traditions to share."
Counting down the days, a huge digital clock was on the front of Samoa's government building, keeping everyone on time.
