Fijian culture is steeped in a long history of traditions and by immersing yourself in some of these you will enhance your holiday experience.
A trip to Fiji isn’t complete without sampling a cup of kava, trying a walk on hot rocks, eating a meal from beneath the earth and dancing the night away. Here are our TOP 5 “must do’s” in Fiji.
1. TURN THE HEAT UP
Photo: Mark Harris. Indigenous Fijian Fire walking ritual
Legend states that the village men must prepare their bodies for 10 days or face severe burns. This 500-year-old ceremony began on Beqa Island, where you can still share in the unforgettable experience in the original fire pit.
2. A FEAST UNEARTHED
Nanuku
The Fijian lovo ceremony is a weekly highlight at most large resorts. A variety of meats, fish, vegetables and palusami (taro leaves filled with corned beef, onions and coconut cream) are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground for several hours.
At the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, you can join their fierce warriors unearthing the lovo before enjoying the traditional feast.
3. THE MUSICAL HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS
Laucala Island Fiji
A Fijian meke ceremony is a wonderful way to learn about the story of the islands through dance and song.
Both men and women perform the meke. The men’s movements are strong while the women are graceful and feminine and both are accompanied by chanting, singing, rhythmic clapping and the beating of the lali, a traditional Fijian drum.
4. A RETURN TO NATURE
fijiislands.com.au
Many Fijians still live in villages and undertake much of their life as they did in days gone by. You can experience a taste of this simple life at the 200-year-old Navala Authentic Village.
Situated on the banks of the Ba river, approximately two-and-a-half hours from Denarau, the villagers of Navala live in thatched bures and sustain themselves with the surrounding nature.
5. CRAZY FOR KAVA
myfiji.com
A trip to Fiji isn’t complete without sampling a cup of kava. Also known as yaqona or grog, the word “kava” means bitter. A mild sedative, kava is made from the root of a plant in the pepper family.