An Ava Ceremony was held at Burrowes State School on the 1st of August in preparation for the Miss Samoa Australia 2009 Beauty Pageant. The event was attended by several local government officials and other important guests who were invited to be a part of the event hosted by the Logan Samoa Advisory Council Incorporated (LSACI). Also present were all the contestants of the pageant including last years winner as well as the various high chiefs.
The ava ceremony is an important part of Samoan culture performed only on special occasions and is a means of welcoming guests and friends to a particular village or community of people. The ceremony is performed every year the Beauty Pageant occurs and by whoever is assigned by the Beauty Pageant Committee.
LSAC Inc was given the privilege this year to host the ceremony.
The Logan City Mayor, Ms Pam Parker, and all other important guests were all able to participate when the ava was passed.
The experience was a reminder to some and for most it was the first time they had witnessed this part of Samoan culture ahead of the pageant.
