Fiji is famous for its variety of colourful and vibrant festivals that it holds each year. From significant cultural celebrations to events showcasing the artistic merits of the country, here are 10 festivals that you should aim to align your next Fiji holiday with.
1. Bula Festival
The Bula Festival is a popular annual event that takes place in the town of Nadi, which is located on the western side of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. The festival is typically held in the month of July and celebrates the Fijian culture, arts, and traditions.
The festival takes its name from the Fijian greeting “bula,” which means hello or welcome. During the festival, visitors can experience a variety of cultural activities, including traditional Fijian dance performances, music, and food.
2. Hibiscus Festival
The Hibiscus Festival is an annual event that takes place in Suva, the capital city of Fiji, usually held in August. The festival is a celebration of Fijian culture and features a variety of activities, including music, dance, food, and arts.
One of the main events of the festival is the Hibiscus Queen competition, which is a beauty pageant that showcases the talents and beauty of young Fijian women. The contestants are judged on their intelligence, personality, talent, and beauty. The winner of the competition is crowned the Hibiscus Queen and serves as a goodwill ambassador for Fiji.
3. Fiji Day
Fiji Day is a national holiday in Fiji that is celebrated annually on October 10th. It commemorates Fiji’s independence from British colonial rule in 1970.
The day is marked by celebrations throughout the country, with various events and activities taking place to commemorate the occasion. The celebrations typically begin with a flag-raising ceremony in Suva, the capital city, which is attended by the Prime Minister, government officials, and members of the public.
During the day, there are parades, cultural shows, and music performances held throughout the country, showcasing the diversity of Fiji’s culture and traditions. There are also traditional Fijian foods and drinks available for people to enjoy, such as lovo, kokoda, and kava.
4. Diwali
Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Hindu religion, and it is also celebrated in other parts of South Asia, including Fiji. The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is celebrated by lighting up homes with lamps and candles, decorating them with flowers and rangolis, and exchanging gifts and sweets with family and friends. The festival also involves traditional prayers and rituals, such as the lighting of diyas (small clay lamps), performing puja (worship), and offering sweets and fruits to deities.
5. Fiji Fashion Week
Fiji Fashion Week is an annual event that takes place in Suva, the capital city of Fiji. The event is usually held in May and is a showcase for Fijian fashion designers to display their latest creations and designs.
Fiji Fashion Week is a platform for emerging and established Fijian fashion designers to showcase their work to a wider audience. The event also features a range of fashion-related activities, such as fashion shows, exhibitions, workshops, and seminars.
6. Bula Festival of the North
The Bula Festival of the North is an annual event that takes place in the town of Labasa in northern Fiji. The festival is usually held in July and is a week-long celebration of Fijian culture, traditions, and hospitality.
The festival features a range of activities, such as cultural performances, beauty pageants, sporting events, and food and craft markets. The festival also includes a parade, which is one of the main highlights of the event. The parade features traditional Fijian costumes, dances, and music, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrancy and energy of Fijian culture.
7. National Agriculture Show
The National Agriculture Show is an annual event that takes place in Fiji and is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture. The event usually takes place in August and is a showcase for the agricultural sector in Fiji.
The National Agriculture Show is an opportunity for farmers and agricultural businesses to showcase their products, technologies, and services. The event features a range of exhibitions, displays, and competitions, and attracts visitors from all over Fiji and beyond.
8. Suva Jazz Festival
The Suva Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in Suva, the capital city of Fiji. The festival usually takes place in August and is a celebration of jazz music from Fiji and around the world.
The Suva Jazz Festival features a range of performances by local and international jazz musicians, including jazz bands, soloists, and vocalists. The festival typically takes place over several days and includes both free and ticketed events.
9. Lautoka Sugar Festival
The Lautoka Sugar Festival is an annual event that takes place in Lautoka, a city on the western coast of Fiji. The festival celebrates the sugar industry, which has played a significant role in the history and economy of Fiji.
The Lautoka Sugar Festival typically takes place in late July or early August and lasts for about a week. The festival features a range of activities and events, including a sugar cane cutting competition, carnival rides and games, food stalls, and cultural performances.
10. Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival
The Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival is an annual event that takes place in Fiji, usually in the month of May. The festival celebrates jazz and blues music from around the world and features a range of performances by both local and international musicians.
The Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival is held over several days and takes place at various venues throughout Fiji. The festival includes a mix of free and ticketed events, with performances taking place both indoors and outdoors.
Festivals in Fiji
Next time when you travel to Fiji, make sure you attend at least one of these 10 amazing festivals, and you won’t be disappointed. Book your Fiji holiday packages now and immerse yourself in this beautiful island nation’s vibrant culture and festivities.