11 Best Festivals in Fiji ✨

1. Your Paradise

Your Paradise is an annual event that’s become a bit of a sensation in Fiji. Established in 2014, this music and travel festival is the perfect blend of top-notch electronic tunes and island adventures on the beautiful Mamanuca Islands. This festival has quickly become a must-attend event on the global music calendar, offering a unique experience that combines world-class beats with unforgettable island activities. (It’s not your average festival, that’s for sure!) When you’re not dancing to the sounds of prominent DJs and electronic artists, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy. Fancy a bit of snorkelling? How about catching some waves or stretching out with some yoga? Your Paradise has got you covered! Year after year, festival-goers from around the world flock to this tropical haven. And who can blame them? With its perfect mix of music, culture, and island vibes, Your Paradise is truly living up to its name.

Where: Plantation Island Resort, Musket Cove, and Lomani Island Resort on Malolo Lailai Island, Mamanuca Islands.
When: The festival is usually held in October, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

2. Stir It Up Festival

The Stir It Up Festival is Fiji’s biggest international music extravaganza, and it has quickly become one of the country’s most anticipated celebrations. This one-day event showcases a diverse lineup of both local and international artists, featuring an exciting mix of musical genres. Previously held at the VOU Hub in Nadi, the festival has been gaining popularity since its debut in 2022. It’s not just about the music, though. The event also offers electrifying DJ sets that will keep you dancing all night long. You’ll find mouth-watering food stalls serving up delicious local and international cuisine to satisfy your cravings. And, of course, there are refreshing beverages available to keep you cool and hydrated as you enjoy the festivities. Stir It Up has been attracting both local and international tourists, contributing significantly to Fiji’s tourism industry. It’s putting our beautiful country on the map for world-class concerts (we’re not just about beaches anymore!).

Where: Nadi, Viti Levu.
When: The festival is usually held in September, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

3. New Year’s Eve

Sure, New Year’s Eve is widely celebrated all over the world, but this event is well worth a mention when it comes to Fiji. Fijians don’t just celebrate the New Year over one day but over a couple of weeks when villagers get together for large feasts and catch up with family. It’s a great time for visitors to experience Fiji, with plenty of opportunities to see how the locals celebrate and join in the festival-like atmosphere. For a festival-like atmosphere, Albert Park in Suva comes alive with vibrant street parties, while beach parties light up the shores of Wailoaloa in Nadi. These lively events capture the true spirit of Fijian hospitality and joy. Check out Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Fiji for some inspiration on where to go.

Where: Nationwide
When: Celebrations start in the couple of weeks leading up to December 31st.

© Pexels

4. The Fijian Crosswalk

With Christianity being one of the most prominent religions in Fiji, Easter is celebrated with enthusiasm and respect. While there are many ways that Fijians commemorate Easter, the most visible tradition is The Fijian Crosswalk. During Holy Week, the week just before Easter, large crowds gather in Fiji’s capital city, Suva, to walk 194 km (120 mi) to Nadi. The walk symbolises Christ’s final walk to Jerusalem, where participants carry a large wooden cross the whole way.

Where: Viti Levu, between Suva and Nadi
When: March/April Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter)

© FijiPocketGuide.com

5. Holi

This one is a little messy but undoubtedly a lot of fun. Holi is the “Festival of Colours”, influenced by India to celebrate the Hindu Indo-Fijians of Fiji. Large crowds gather together to throw coloured powders signifying relationship reconciliations, forgiving and forgetting.

Where: Nationwide (mainly in the large centres of Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, Savusavu, etc.)
When: The festival is usually held in February or March, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© Steven Gerner on Flickr

6. Hibiscus Festival

Definitely earning its place on this list of Fiji’s biggest events, the Hibiscus Festival is a large celebration held in Suva. The family-friendly event has something for everyone with live music, dance performances, rides, competitions and parades. The main event of the Hibiscus Festival is when “Miss Hibiscus” is crowned in the beauty pageant. For a multi-cultural mix of what makes Fiji Fiji, the Hibiscus Festival is a spectacular event to find out.

Where: Suva
When: The festival is usually held in August, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

7. Bula Festival

The sister festival to the Hibiscus Festival is held in Nadi just a few weeks before the festival in Suva. Enjoy parades, music and dancing in this festival that is catered to both the locals and tourists. Don’t miss the crowning of “Miss Bula”!Check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Nadi for more things to do while you are there.

Where: Nadi, Viti Levu (Koroivolu and Prince Charles Park)
When: The festival is usually held in July, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji

8. Fiji Week & Fiji Day

Marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule, Fiji Week is a week-long affair celebrating the diversity and union of the Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultures. Each town and city has its own way of celebrating, from entertainment programs including performances to speeches. Ask at your accommodation what Fiji Week events are happening near you. Fiji Day is also seen as a public holiday. Find out more about public holidays in our guide to Public Holidays in Fiji (& Other Important Dates).

Where: Nationwide
When: The week leading up to October 10.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

9. South Indian Fire Walking Festival

Fire walking is a tradition stemming from both Fijian and Indian cultures but celebrated more so today by the local Indo-Fijians. The biggest celebration of the South Indian Fire Walking Festival occurs at the Mariamman Temple in Suva. Fire walking is just as crazy as it sounds: walking on hot embers or coals in barefoot. Participants will enter 10 days of abstinence and meditation on the lead up to the event, then on the day of the fire walk, a Hindu priest will pierce the face and body with skewers. It is said that if participants are devoted to the Divine Mother, they should not feel pain.

Where: Nationwide (most famously in the Mariamman Temple, Suva, Viti Levu)
When: The festival is usually held at the full moon in July or August, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

10. Fiji Regatta Week

Infamous in the sailing world, the Fiji Regatta is a cruising and racing yacht celebration that has been running at the Musket Cove Marina for more than 35 years. Yachties from all over the South Pacific get together on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanucas to, as they put it, “sail by day and party by night”. Whether you’re a sailor or not, you’re sure to have a lively time if you are staying at one of the three resorts on the island. Learn more about the Mamanucas in our 10 Best Islands in the Mamanuca Islands.

Where: Malolo Lailai Island, Mamanuca Islands
When: The festival is usually held in September, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© FijiPocketGuide.com

11. Friendly North Festival

One of the biggest celebrations on the Vanua Levu events calendar is the Friendly North Festival. Set up to promote Fiji’s lesser-frequented large island, the week-long Friendly North Festival celebrates with a Bollywood Night, Pacific Night, stalls, performances and the crowning of “Queen of the North”. The festival in Labasa has been attracting crowds of Indo-Fijian, Fiji and tourists for more than 40 years. The festival is definitely not one of the only reasons to visit the island, so take a look at 20 Best Things to Do on Vanua Levu.

Where: Labasa, Vanua Levu (Fiji’s second-largest island)
When: The festival is usually held in August, but check out The Top Events & Festivals in Fiji or Fiji Tourism‘s events page for the upcoming date.

© Festival of the Friendly North

5 Things to Know About Attending a Festival in Fiji

Bula! If you’re planning to experience the vibrant culture of Fiji through one of its colourful festivals, you’re in for a treat. Here are five essential things to know before you join the celebrations:

1. Dress Appropriately

Fijians are known for their modest dress code, especially during cultural events. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Don’t forget to pack a sulu (Fijian sarong) – you’ll fit right in and stay cool!

2. Bring Your Appetite

Festivals in Fiji are a food lover’s paradise. You’ll find an array of delicious local dishes, from lovo (underground oven-cooked meats) to kokoda (Fijian ceviche). Come hungry and be prepared to indulge in some mouth-watering treats!

3. Learn Some Basic Fijian

A few Fijian phrases will go a long way. Start with “Bula” (hello) and “Vinaka” (thank you). The locals will appreciate your effort, and you might even make some new friends (Fijians are incredibly friendly, after all!).

4. Expect Impromptu Performances

Fijian festivals are lively affairs with plenty of spontaneous singing and dancing. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join in – embrace the moment and have fun! You might find yourself learning the meke (traditional Fijian dance) before you know it.

5. Respect Local Customs

Festivals often have a spiritual or cultural significance. Be mindful of local customs, such as removing your hat in villages or avoiding touching someone’s head (it’s considered disrespectful). When in doubt, observe the locals or politely ask for guidance. Remember, each festival in Fiji has its own unique flavour. Whether you’re attending the colourful Hibiscus Festival in Suva or the lively Bula Festival in Nadi, these tips will help you make the most of your experience. Enjoy the warm Fijian hospitality and create memories that will last a lifetime!

© FijiPocketGuide.com