Fun and festivities in Fiji - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The Republic of Fiji is a country with a truly unique culture, the richness and originality of which are reflected in her numerous holidays and festivals. These celebrations represent a tremendous fusion of the traditions of different people: Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and people from other islands of the Pacific. Despite cultural differences, the multinational population of the archipelago is united in one thing, and that is, they share a burning love for celebrations. The life-loving residents of Fiji are known to conduct their celebrations in a large scale, which is why festivities are often stretched for several weeks or even a month. Fijian holidays are divided into secular and religious; the latter are devoted to events that are significant for representatives of different religious faiths.

One of the central holidays of national importance is Fiji Day, which is celebrated in the middle of October. The celebration is based on a double event. It was specifically on this day in the second half of the 19th century, that the first Fijian king Takombau renounced the throne in favor of the British Queen Victoria. Also on this same day in the second half of the 20th century, Fiji gained independence from the British crown. The week before the holiday is called Fiji Week, during which celebrations are organized for the glory of national unity, as well as religious and cultural diversity. The event features rallies and speeches by Fijian politicians, concerts and handicraft exhibitions, educational and recreational activities, entertainment for children, and charitable evenings. Despite almost half a century of being a republic, the Queen’s Birthday which falls on the middle of June, is still officially celebrated to this day on the islands.

New Year is one of the longest festive events in Fiji. In Suva, the capital of the archipelago, spectacular light shows with traditional fireworks are held annually. The central festive event is a large-scale party which is conducted in the open air, to the accompaniment of music created by the sound of ritual battle drums mixed with chants of Hawaiian guitars and mandolins. Celebrations here cannot go without the national dance “meke”, which draws the participation of both males and females. Women perform the “sisi” – dance of worship, while the men on the other hand perform the, “wesi” – dance of the spear. Having lost the former ritual significance, today the spectacle is a combination of traditional elements and modern movements, which makes it truly stirring. Another attribute of the New Year celebration in Fiji is the obligatory ceremony of drinking yaqona. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Chinese settlements, New Year is celebrated according to the Eastern calendar. It is also called the Spring Festival of Chunjie, celebrated at the end of winter with indispensable lion and dragon dances, and bright street parades. Approximately at the same time, is marked one of the most favorite Hindu festivals “Holi” or the Festival of Colors. In the beginning or middle of spring, is celebrated Ram-Naomi – the birthday of the god Rama. In autumn is celebrated Diwali – a holiday marking the victory of good over evil, the return from spiritual darkness to light. Hindus and Buddhists decorate their house with lights, arrange fireworks, and treat each other with sweets. Christians brought the tradition of celebrating Christmas and Easter to the culture of the country, and Muslims introduced the celebration of the birthday of the prophet Mohammed, Uraza-bairam (the festival of the end of Ramadan), and Kurban-Bayram (the day of the sacrifice).

In April, in the city of Nadi, the International Festival of Jazz Music Coral-Coast is organized annually, and on the eve of Easter Sunday – the festive yacht regatta. At the end of spring, is marked the day of Ratu Sira Lala Sukuna; a Fijian political and public figure, a military personnel, and scientist. In honor of this outstanding historical personality, cultural and sporting events are held. At the same time in Tavarua, are arranged surfing competitions Quik-Silver-Pro. In early summer, a spectacular yacht race is organized in Port Denarau with contestants competing for the President’s Cup, and in the capital – an exhibition of arts ANZ is organized.

July and August in Suva are marked by the festival of hibiscus, which includes musical and sports events, carnival processions, fashion shows, and salutes. The culmination of the festival is a theatrical performance, during which a contest is held to crown Miss Hibiscus. The same event in Nadi coincides with the yacht race of Savusavu. The famous capital rugby tournament and the Festival of Methodist Choirs are held in August. The following week is devoted to a regatta in Mask-Cove. Already in September, off the coast of Sigatoka, yachting competitions are organized in Coral-Coast-Bilibili. Every year in Lautoka, there is a traditional sugar festival. The best Fijian and foreign artists come to the city to participate in the event, making the festival one of the most spectacular in the country.