Festivals Of Fiji Islands

Fiji is an Island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. Its closest neighbours are Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and Tahiti. The country consists of an archipelago of more than 332 islands, of which almost half in not resided on. Two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with a population of almost 850 000. Main sources of foreign exchange is tourism and sugar.

During 17th and 18th Century, the British brought Indians from India through the indenture system to work on the Sugar Cane fields. After the independence most indians stayed back in Fiji which they call home.

The population is mostly made up of Native Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, some other islanders from Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Chinese. There is also a small community of Europeans.

In this small country with a mixture of quite a number of different ethnic cultures results in many colorful and wonderful festivals celebrations. Most of the major religious festivals has been marked as Public Holidays.

Below I will write about some of the wonderful festivals enjoyed by all Fijians and all visitors.

January 1st  – New Year (Public Holiday)

New Years is a global celebration mainly that starts on December 31st the prior year. Celebration for welcoming New Years in Fiji also starts from December 31st with private parties, night clubs and cinemas opening till morning. There are street parties organised in the Capital City, where a whole family enjoys, since the security is quite evident to avoid liquor and drugs. It ensures that anyone is safe and enjoys their night till countdown. A recorded number of almost 20 000 people have danced through the night on the street to welcome the new year. New Year is welcomed with Fireworks and major countdown.  It is one of the biggest new year’s celebrations in the South Pacific.

Away from the city, more towards the outer region, families have reunions which involved lots of Lovo (food cooked on hot stones in the hole made in the soil), BBQ’s, Kava (traditional Grog Drink), music and dancing. The arrival of the new year is welcomed by the traditional beating of the Drum/Lali. And at some places children run around beating tin drums and waking all sleeping people. Water and Talcum powder is used playful amongst each other for enjoyment. Celebrations continue for almost a week, enjoyed by many.

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FESTIVAL OF COLORS – HOLI

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