Manu’a Cession Day (in lieu) 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Manu’a Cession Day (in lieu) is a massive celebration on July 16. American Samoa recognises and celebrates the date on which the Manu’a Islands decided to join the remainder of American Samoa and become a U.S. territory. This public holiday is celebrated with a great deal of pomp and circumstance and is a day off for everyone on these islands.

The background of Manu’a Cession Day (in lieu)

The Samoan islands were formed by volcanic activity approximately one million years ago and were not discovered by Europeans until 1721, when a Dutch merchant named Jacob Roggeveen stopped by on his way to trade with the islanders. Before the discovery and ensuing influx of additional Europeans, the islands were primarily inhabited by various Polynesian tribes. According to historians, this area is home to one of the earliest extant Polynesian cultures, which arrived around 1,000 BCE.

Almost two decades after its discovery, the colonial powers began to covet this prosperous and luxuriant region. In the late 1800s, the Germans, the English, and the Americans engaged in a conflict that lasted until 1899, following a protracted civil war. The western nine islands were given to Germany, while the eastern islands became a U.S. naval base and colony. However, the High Chiefs of the Manu’a islands did not wish to become a U.S. territory, even if they were to be incorporated — that is, a place where only certain portions of the U.S. Constitution apply and which are not part of the U.S. territory. Therefore, the Manu’a High Chiefs initially rejected this agreement.

The region was administered by the U.S. Navy until 1951, after which the Department of the Interior (D.O.I.) assumed responsibility. Each year, Samoans from this region commemorate the day Manu’a swore allegiance to the United States with events, speeches, and other activities.

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MANU’A CESSION DAY (IN LIEU) ACTIVITIES

Discover Manu’a and American Samoa

American Samoa has a great deal of territory worth exploring, what with its tropical terrain, its intriguing ancient culture, and its varied customs. You can read articles, view documentaries, and converse with individuals who claim this heritage.

Participate in a few Samoan cultural activities

Possibly, it is the language. Perhaps it would be sampling the most popular Samoan dishes. Or perhaps it is simply listening to traditional Samoan music. Connect with and immerse yourself in a new culture in any manner you choose; you can even involve your friends!

Discover the unincorporated territories of America.

While researching American Samoa, you should also consider the numerous unincorporated U.S. territories. Discovering their history and what makes them unique can be a rewarding experience. And who knows, it could provide inspiration for your next vacation.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MANUA AND AMERICAN SAMOA

More than thirty players in the National Football League and nearly two hundred in Divisional N.C.A.A. football hail from the islands.

American Samoans, unlike residents of other unincorporated U.S. territories, are not inherently U.S. citizens but rather U.S. nationals.

The title formerly held by the monarch of Manu’a, Tui Manu’a, is no longer to be used, per an agreement between the United States and Tui Manu’a Elisara, the king of Manu’a, when they signed the Deed of Cession of Manua in 1904.

American Samoa declined the opportunity to reunite with the Independent States of Samoa in 1966, preferring instead to remain a U.S. territory.

They are the only unincorporated United States territory south of the equator.

MANU’A CESSION DAY (IN LIEU) DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	July 16	Sunday
2024	July 16	Tuesday
2025	July 16	Wednesday
2026	July 16	Thursday
2027	July 16	Friday