The Top Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss In Fiji
Posted by Maris on 29th Aug 2023
Fiji is a culturally diverse nation, owing to the impacts of the various populations who have migrated there over time, ranging from Melanesian and Polynesian tribes to European missionaries and enslaved Indian laborers. Fiji’s distinct hybrid culture is mirrored in the islands’ festivities, which we highlight.
Hibiscus festival
The annual Hibiscus festival is possibly the best way to taste numerous aspects of Fijian culture and enjoy the islanders’ legendary merriment. Hibiscus is hosted in Suva, the capital city of Viti Levu, and attracts visitors from all over the island, with hundreds of vendors selling Pacific delicacies, as well as lively music and dance performances, rides, competitions, and parades. The pageant concludes with the coronation of ‘Miss Hibiscus.’
Festival of Bula
The Bula festival (bula means ‘hello’ or ‘welcome’ in Fijian) is a very similar celebration that takes place on the other side of Viti Levu in the town of Nadi just a few weeks before. A lively parade of floats, music, and dancing kicks off the celebration in the Koroivolu and Prince Charles Parks. It culminates with the finals of its annual beauty pageant and the crowning of ‘Miss Bula.’
Festival of South Indian Fire Walking
Fire-walking, which involves stepping barefoot across hot embers or coals, is a ritual that originated on the island of Beqa, about five miles south of Viti Levu. The habit has since crossed the lagoon and is now commonly seen along the Coral Coast, with the annual festival held at the Mariamma Temple. Prior to the event, participants undergo a 10-day period of sexual abstinence and prolonged meditation, during which Hindu priests pierce their faces and bodies with skewers and smear yellow turmeric on their skin before performing this extraordinary art thought to bring physical and spiritual cleansing.
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Holi
India’s effect on the islands is particularly noticeable among the numerous cultures that merge to form Fiji’s own. It is not surprising, then, that Holi is a popular festival throughout the archipelago. Holi, a Hindu holiday that has spread around the world, includes crowds gathering to fling multi-colored powders at one another, symbolizing the healing of relationships through forgiveness and forgetfulness.
Fara
The island of Rotuma and its nearby islets are part of Fiji, notwithstanding their cultural and social differences. Rotuma is a distinct member of the archipelago, with its own indigenous ethnic group and a culture largely influenced by neighboring Polynesian islands, particularly Tonga and Samoa. Every year, Rotumans celebrate Fara, during which big groups of singers, musicians, and dancers move between houses to entertain and encourage the family that reside there to participate.
Diwali
Diwali (‘the festival of lights’), a lovely holiday that celebrates the nation’s rich Indian heritage, has been celebrated by both the Christian and Hindu communities in Fiji. It’s even a public holiday, demonstrating the country’s multi-culturalism and societal peace. Houses are decorated with candles and lanterns to honor Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and sweets and gifts are distributed to family members and close friends.
Fiji Day
After decades of British colonial administration, Fiji was awarded independence on October 10, 1970. Every year, a week of festivities and celebrations is held to honor this momentous milestone in the country’s history. Almost every town and city in the archipelago holds its own celebrations, including military parades, speeches, performances, and street parties.
Sugar Festival in Lautoka
Originally, the Sugar Festival in September commemorated the archipelago’s profitable sugar trade. Lautoka, the country’s sugar capital and second largest city, will host the event. It’s a lighthearted occasion with the typical performances, food stalls, and activities, as well as an inclusive beauty pageant that crowns not only ‘Lady Sugar,’ but also ‘Mr Sugar King,’ ‘Miss Sugar Teens,’ and ‘Miss Sugar Princess.’
Festival of the Friendly North
The Friendly North event is held in Labasa, a thriving Indo-Fijian community on the island of Vanua Levu. It has been functioning for around 40 years and is run by a dedicated committee. In terms of its program, Friendly North closely resembles Viti Levu’s major festivals, with the goal of promoting this more isolated, less-developed island as a tourism destination.
New Year
If you happen to be spending New Year’s in the South Pacific, Fijian festivities will not disappoint. The New Year is warmly embraced here, with celebrations extending up to a month in some regions. Many resorts will have their own low-key festivities, while street parties erupt across Nadi and Suva on the main island, complete with live music performances and fireworks.
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