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Samoa will release 35 prisoners from jail, saying they will be pardoned as part of its 50 year independence celebrations.

Head of state Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi announced the pardon to the thousands who gathered at parliament today to mark the golden jubilee.

It seemed the bulk of Samoans had embraced the celebrations, which featured a parade in front of gathered dignitaries from across the Pacific, New Zealand Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae among them.

The day opened with the raising of the Samoan flag and a 21 gun salute.

"This is a momentous day in the history of our country," Tupua said.

"Today we come together from far and wide to as children and friends of Samoa to take pause, bare witness, reflect on and share in the maturity of our nation."

Buildings are adorned with ribbons, cars and people jam the streets, and everywhere you look there is some sort of celebration taking place.

On the 40th anniversary former prime minister Helen Clark apologised to the people of Samoa for when the New Zealand Government allowed a ship full of people with influenza to dock in the Samoan port in 1918 which contributed to the deaths of one in five Samoans. She also apologised for the shootings of non-violent protesters by New Zealand police in 1929.

Sir Jerry said the history between the two countries had not always been positive, but it was now time to look forward, together.

New Zealand and Samoa shared a special bond, Sir Jerry said. Samoa was the only country with which New Zealand had a Treaty of Friendship, and both countries had experienced devastating natural disasters, and supported each other throughout.

While about 180,000 people live in Samoa, 130,000 Samoans call New Zealand home.

"In the past 50 years we've had more ups than downs," he said.

"Being here for the 50th anniversary for Samoa is important for New Zealand because it's important to look back and see the progress and it's also about looking ahead to the next 50 years."

Samoa became a German colony in 1899 but New Zealand took control during World War I and the islands became a mandated territory under the League of Nations. After World War II, Samoa was a United Nations trust territory administered by New Zealand until it gained independence – the first Pacific island to do so – in 1962.

Children have the day off school, many shops are shut and the traffic is expected to be chaotic. But it is not just Samoans who are celebrating. Officials from all over the world have come to the island nation to acknowledge the past 50 years.

Dozens of New Zealand police of Samoan descent are in Samoa to take part in the celebrations, as is the Navy Band and MPs, including National's Sam Lotu-Iiga and Jonathan Young.

Vaka races start early, followed by a flag-raising ceremony, the march and cultural performances. Many will party until late, with reggae band UB40 playing.

But the celebrations won't end then – they will continue throughout the weekend, as will the colour, singing, dancing and laughter.

- © Fairfax NZ News