The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) extends its greetings to the Republic of Fiji as they celebrate their Fiji Day this October 10, 2024, in commemoration of its 54th independence anniversary. We thank you for your continued support and cooperation with CPSC and its member countries. May our future together be as bright as our history has been!

Fijians performing in traditional folk outfits
Photo courtesy of National Today

Fiji Day is marked as the last day of Fiji Week, a week-long commemoration of two of the key events in its history as a nation: its cession to the United Kingdom on October 10, 1874 and its subsequent independence in 1970. It is celebrated nationwide as well as in some parts of Australia and New Zealand, although the main events often take place in the town of Levuka, where the aforementioned cession took place.

Fijians celebrate the holiday by dressing in traditional outfits and reenacting key events from its history. Military parades, ceremonial firing of cannons, performances and gift giving are also observed during this special occasion. Not only do these events honor Fiji’s rich culture and traditions, but it also has a significant contribution to the local tourism, as the festival itself is a popular tourist attraction.

Traditional Fiji Events and Festivities

Kava Ceremony

Preparation of the kava drink, accompanied by singing
Photo courtesy of Royal Davui Fiji

Kava is a traditional drink made from the roots of the kava plant. Traditional preparation and collective consumption of this beverage is a symbol of the unity and respect that is embodied by the Fijian peoples and communities.

A brief overview of the ceremony is as follows:

  • The kava root is ground into a fine powder.
  • The resulting powder is mixed with water in a large communal bowl called the ‘tanoa.’
  • The drink is served and shared in a ritualistic manner, accompanied by chants and songs.

Meke Performances

Fijian dancers performing the Meke
Photo courtesy of The Fiji Times

Meke Performances are theatrical retelling of tales, myths and legends that vibrantly enriches the Fijian culture. In them, Fijians bring to life old stories and legends of heroes, gods and creation myths through music and dancing. Intricate gestures and movements in these performances can either represent elements of nature or historical events.

For Fijians, to witness these performances is to embrace one’s own culture; and for tourists a great way to learn about Fijian culture.

Community Feasts

Fijian food in community feasts
Photo courtesy of Real Food Traveler

In celebration of the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and generosity, Fijians host community feasts and gatherings where everyone is welcome to partake in the abundance of Fijian cuisine. At the heart of these communal gatherings is the ‘Lovo,’ a traditional Fijian way of cooking where an assortment of meat and vegetables, usually wrapped in banana leaves, are heated in a small pit covered in hot stones.

Fijians cooking food in a Lovo pit
Photo courtesy of Fiji Plaza

Other notable dishes include the kokoda, a Fijian ceviche marinated in coconut and milk and sometimes even served in a coconut shell; and cassava cakes, a sweet delicacy made from cassava and coconut.

Fiji Day 2024

This year’s celebrations are set to be hosted in the town of Labasa, located in the island of Vanua Levu. Preparations are being carried out by the Labasa Town Council in Subrail Park, a renowned football stadium and home to the Labasa Football Association.

Subrail Park in Labasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Photo courtesy of Fiji Village

The number of visitors is expected to rise as Fiji Day approaches. This is expected to be quite a boost for local businesses and the local economy in general, with some hotels being already fully booked for the event.

Fiji is a country with a rich culture and a colorful history, and Fiji Day wonderfully highlights it in their celebrations. With an opportunity to once again host it, the town of Labasa and the entire island nation of Fiji are ensuring that this year’s Fiji Day will be a joyous celebration for the locals and visitors alike.

References:

  • Covington-Carter, D. (2022, February 18). A Feast of Fijian Food. Real Food Traveler. https://www.realfoodtraveler.com/a-feast-of-fijian-food/
  • GoFiji. (2023, July 24). What is a Fijian lovo and the significance of lovo? GoFiji. https://gofiji.net/what-is-a-fijian-lovo-and-the-significance-of-lovo/
  • Jack’s of Fiji. (2024, September 23). Fiji Day 2024 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vozeYO2BRM
  • Kiani, T. (2022, June 9). FIJI DAY - October 10, 2024 - National Today. National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/fiji-day/
  • Labasa to host main Fiji Day celebration. (n.d.). Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/labasa-to-host-main-fiji-day-celebration/
  • Martinez, L., (2023, September 5). Subrail Park: Labasa’s Iconic Stadium Shaping Fiji’s Sporting Legacy. Stadiums World. https://stadiums.world/subrail-park-labasa/
  • Mitchell, J. (2021, June 13). Deities, dreams and traditional dances. The Fiji Times. https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/deities-dreams-and-traditional-dances/
  • Plaza, F. (2022, December 25). The Christmas Lovo. Fiji Plaza. https://fijiplaza.com/blog/thoughts-things/the-christmas-lovo
  • Saad, A. (2020, May 15). The Traditional Fijian Kava Ceremony - Royal Davui Island Fiji. Royal Davui Island Fiji. https://royaldavuifiji.com/the-traditional-fijian-kava-ceremony/
  • Schafer, N. (2024, June 14). Celebrating Fiji Day: Understanding the history and festivities. Far And Away Adventures. https://farandawayadventures.com/celebrating-fiji-day-understanding-the-history-and-festivities/