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Christmas celebrations in Fiji often extend from
December 24 to New Year's Day. In rural areas, Christians attend church
services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and then gather for a huge
village party, complete with a traditional feast (lovo) and
kava. In towns and cities, many Fijians go to the beach on
Christmas Day for picnics and parties. Fijian Hindus celebrate Diwali and Holi. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, takes place in October or November. It honours Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Hindus clean their houses, offer fruits and sweets to the goddess, and also to friends and neighbours. In the evening, families light lamps and candles in the hope that Lakshmi will follow the lights to their house and bless them with wealth. Holi, the Spring Festival, takes place in February or March. During this celebration in honour of Lord Krishna, people squirt each other with coloured water and powder. |
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Fiji's Muslim community celebrates the birth of the
Prophet Mohammed, the end of Ramzan (Ramadan, the fasting month of
the Islamic year), and the sacrifice of Abraham (Eid al-Adha). These
days are times for family and prayer, rather than public celebration. The small Chinese community in Fiji celebrates Chinese New Year with traditional lion dances and parties. Dressed in new clothes, people visit friends and family, and enjoy special meals. Each year, Fiji's main cities hold popular festivals. In Suva, the week-long Hibiscus Festival in July or August features concerts, sports competitions, carnival rides, fashion shows and fireworks, as well as the Miss Hibiscus pageant and the Hibiscus Ball. Nadi, on the west coast of Viti Levu, holds a similar celebration in late July. |
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Every September, Lautoka holds the Sugar Festival.
The crowning of the festival queen is the highlight of all these
celebrations.
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