The Guide to Easter in Fiji

Last Updated: 21 September, 2024

What is Easter Like in Fiji?

Easter is a Christian holiday that is celebrated with enthusiasm in the islands of Fiji. Around 65% of the population identify themselves as Christian, so it’s no wonder that Fiji observes the days revolving around Easter as a national public holiday. But what does that mean for visiting Fiji during Easter? Find out with this guide to Easter in Fiji.

When is Easter?

If you’re unfamiliar with the Christian holiday, Easter is in either March or April each year. The date of Easter is determined by being the first Sunday after the paschal full moon. In other words, it happens after the vernal equinox. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter will be celebrated on the following Sunday. Easter can occur on any date between March 22 and April 25, but the date is recognised well in advance each year – so simply do an online search for “Easter date [year]”, and you should find your answer.

Part of the Holy Week in Fiji, Easter Sunday is the main event of Easter, but it is not considered a public holiday, arguably because Sundays are not typically “working days”. The three days that are observed as a public holiday are Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday), Easter Saturday (the Saturday before Easter Sunday) and Easter Monday (the Monday after Easter Sunday).

What is the weather like around Easter? Find out in our guide, Fiji Weather in April.

How Do Fijians Celebrate Easter?

As Easter is a Christian holiday and around 65% of Fiji’s population is Christian, Fijians celebrate Easter for religious purposes.

Church Celebrations

Fijians celebrate Easter as a religious holiday by going to church. Sunday church services might be part of the weekly routine in Fiji, but Easter service is always noteworthy. Good Friday marks the memorial of the death of Jesus Christ, and Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection. The locals will wear their best clothing to attend the events, which is then usually followed by a community feast. There may also be singing after church (definitely during Mass).

The Fijian Crosswalk

On the lead-up to Easter, there is the traditional Fijian Crosswalk. The Crosswalk is where Catholic and Methodist Fijians gather to walk across the island of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. They travel 200 km (124 mi) along Queens Road, starting in Suva and ending seven days later in Nadi. A large cross is carried among the group. Needless to say, the event draws in the crowds to offer support.

Learn more about Fiji and Christianity in The Guide to the Religions in Fiji.

What Easter Mean for Tourists in Fiji

If you’re coming from a country that also observes Easter as a public holiday, it might mean you get the time off to visit Fiji. But is it worth it if Fiji is going to be “closed” too?

Are Shops and Services Closed in Fiji During Easter?

Between Good Friday and Easter Monday, some shops and services are closed in Fiji’s towns and villages, but certainly not all, especially in larger towns with a multi-cultural population who may not celebrate Easter and, therefore, choose not to close on the public holidays. However, the public holiday doesn’t disturb tourism-related operations, especially in resorts. During this time, visitors can relax, do activities and dine at their resorts.

What’s Happening for Easter at the Resorts in Fiji?

Fiji’s largest and most prestigious resorts often put on Easter activities for the kids. Resorts like the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, Castaway Island, Radisson Blu Resort and much more put on special Easter programs in their kids’ clubs, which might include Easter egg hunts, Easter-related arts and crafts, and more.

If you’re staying outside of a resort, perhaps at some budget accommodations, you can join in on the Easter celebrations at church to experience the beautiful harmonious singing and perhaps you’ll even be invited to the events after Mass. Alternatively, you can enjoy some of the attractions of Fiji independently, such as the beaches, snorkelling, sightseeing, etc.

Is Fiji Busy at Easter?

In short, yes. Easter is one of the peak times to visit Fiji, mainly due to Fiji’s top visitor demographic, Australians and New Zealanders, also observing Easter as public holidays in their countries, which in turn, gives many the time off work for a holiday to Fiji.

Resorts will be busy during this time, but if you’re looking for something more peaceful, take a look at the 20 Best Adults-Only Resorts in Fiji and The Guide to the Lesser Travelled Islands of Fiji.

Other Public Holidays in Fiji

Good Friday, the Day after Good Friday and Easter Monday are just a few of several public holidays in Fiji experienced throughout the year. Other public holidays in Fiji include:

January 1 – New Year’s Day
Friday before Easter – Good Friday
Saturday before Easter – Easter Saturday
Monday after Easter – Easter Monday
Closest Monday to May 14 – Girmit Day
Last Monday/Friday of May – Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day
Monday during Rabi’ al-awwal – Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
October 10 – Fiji Day
Friday closest to Diwali – Diwali
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day.

Where a public holiday falls on a Sunday (and sometimes a Saturday), the office holiday will be observed on the following Monday or the previous Friday. Learn more about these dates in the Public Holidays in Fiji (& Other Important Dates).

More About Easter and Holiday Events in Fiji

That’s it for our complete guide to Easter in Fiji. Need more seasonal inspiration? Check out these guides:

Finally, fill up the rest of your time in the islands with the 101 Best Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

About Robin About Our Team