Fiji Events Worth Getting a Ticket For
You might think of Fiji as some idyllic paradise islands with warm weather. That’s true, but the melting pot of cultures is home to some of the largest festivals in the South Pacific. Fijians love a reason to celebrate, whether it’s the Indian influences of Hindu festivals or the special events that come along with the Christian religion. Fiji also represents the South Pacific when it comes to international music festivals, should it be the World Music Festival or something else. Sporting events, like the Fiji Pro surf competition, occur on and off, so that’s why such non-annual events don’t make it to this list of the biggest events in Fiji. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for them and check out these Fiji events that happen every year!
1. World Music Festival
To celebrate World Music Day and giving everyone a chance to access music, the World Music Festival is your go-to for a feel-good music event in Fiji. The festival was first held in Suva in 2006 and has been a hit year on year. With Fiji being the centre of South Pacific music, expect to see acts from all over the South Pacific Islands. While you’re in Suva, don’t forget to check out these 10 Super Things to Do in Suva
Where: Suva, Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island)
When: June
© Pixabay
2. 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 where villagers get together for large feasts and catch up with family. For visitors, it’s a great time to visit Fiji, with plenty of opportunities to see how the locals celebrate. 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
3. 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 194km / 120 miles 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)
© Pixnio
4. 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: February or March
© Steven Gerner on Flickr
5. 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: August
© brett jordan on Flickr
6. 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 12 Awesome Things to Do in Nadi.
Where: Nadi, Viti Levu (Koroivolu and Prince Charles Park)
When: July
© Chris McLennan - Tourism Fiji
7. Fiji Week & Fiji Day
Marking the country’s independence of 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
© Pixabay
8. 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: Full moon in July or August
© Pxhere
9. 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, the Mamanuca Islands
When: September
© Heinz Albers on Wikipedia
10. 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 12 Amazing Things to Do on Vanua Levu.
Where: Labasa, Vanua Levu (Fiji’s second-largest island)
When: August
© Festival of the Friendly North
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