Fiji is as famous for its festive people and events as it is for its
island getaways. This stunning archipelago is awash in fun-filled
celebrations throughout the year. Generally influenced by Fiji’s
astonishing natural landscape, historical happenings, or cultural
traditions, visitors can get a taste of exciting Pacific heritage at the
Hibiscus Festival which lasts for several days. Alternatively, you can
try to catch the similar yet subtly different Fiji holiday, the Bula
Festival in July.
Outrigger International Competition
Fiji
is a sporting nation, and for its size, does particularly well on the
global scale. The Outrigger International Competition is the main event
in Nadi each year which draws hundreds of competitors and thousands of
spectators. Other sporting events like the Fiji marathon are also held
during this time.
Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival
Port
Denarau is host to the Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival. It
spans three days in May and welcomes many local and international jazz
and blues musicians to perform. Australian, American, European, and New
Zealand musicians make up most of the performers. The festival is a
great time visit Port Denarau as the sights and sounds of the event are
unmatched during the rest of the year.
Honoring the Founder of Modern Fiji Festival
The
last Monday in May is a commemoration to the Father of Modern Fiji,
Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna. The festivities last for an entire week, with many
different towns and cities celebrating in their own way. The event
concludes with a presidential speech relating to Fijian unity, and the
statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna is polished by locals.
World Music Festival
Fiji
is the heart of the Pacific music culture. Each year in June, the World
Music Festival packs the city of Suva. Bands from across the world and
some local come to the city to showcase their exciting musical talents.
Reggae is popular during this time, as is traditional Fiji music. It
only started in 2006, but has grown considerably since then.
Bula Festival
Held
across several days in mid-July, the Bula Fiji Festival is a fantastic
celebration of the island nation’s heritage. Singing and dancing take
center stage in the city of Nadi, and a parade is usually the spotlight
of the event. At the end of the celebrations, a young woman is crowned
Miss Bula for the year.
Hibiscus Festival
The event is
held in several areas around Fiji in the month of August and has
recently spread to other Pacific Islands nations. The Miss Hibiscus
title is a coveted part of the event, drawing thousands of entrants from
across the Fiji islands. In addition, local arts, crafts, sports,
music, food, dance, and songs are exhibited throughout the festival.
Diwali Festival
Due
to Fiji’s large Indian population, the Diwali Festival is one of the
main events held on the islands. Celebrated in the month of October,
Diwali (which is also known as the Festival of Lights) is characterized
by fantastic light shows, traditional firecracker displays, and plenty
of night-time fun. It isn’t just the Indian population that gets into
the swing of things, as all cultures love any excuse to party.