Manu'a Cession Day in American Samoa Date in the current year: July 16, 2024

In the end of the 19th century Germany and the United States started a rivalry over the Samoan Islands. The rivalry was ended by the Tripartite Convention, according to which the Samoan Islands were partitioned into two parts. The eastern group of islands became what is present-day American Samoa, while a greater landmass was in possession of Germany (German Samoa).

In 1904 the United States and Tui Manuʻa Elisala, the last Tuimanuʻa chief, signed a treaty, known as the Deed of Cession of Manu'a. According to the treaty, the Manu'a islands were ceded to the USA and added to the American part of the Samoa Islands, to form American Samoa.

Manu'a Cession Day is a governmental holiday. Local governmental offices are closed, but private sector remains open. Federal offices are also open. A special service is held in church, and youth organizes concerts of traditional songs and dance.