The traditional Fijian culture and customs are enchanting, especially the songs of welcome. Almost everywhere you go, you will be serenaded by welcoming smiles, friendly waves and the strains of island tunes.
Sometimes the music even reaches your ears when you are out at the ocean, paddle boarding or snorkeling. To find yourself admiring colourful fish with a live Pacific soundtrack playing in the background is a very special kind of trick.
From the moment you arrive here, you’ll notice that music and song are a big part of everyday life. You will also experience cultural ‘meke’, meaning all kinds of traditional melodies and dance, from graceful fan performances to athletic war plays that make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
The dancers are usually coupled by a seated group who sing, chant and play percussion instruments.
Men perform in warrior outfits, some with Fijian traditional tattoos, and the women wear traditional dress with their skin shining from scented coconut oil. Each performance usually tells a story of the past, love or legend.
Whenever you get the chance to experience a meke, embrace it. People here take great pride in their performance and the quality is exceptionally top. While Fiji's resorts and restaurants offer delicious cuisine from around the globe, the traditional Fijian and authentic Indian food is not to be missed.
Indigenous Fijian feasts are cooked in a 'lovo', an underground earth oven boiled by hot stones. Usually taking about a couple of hours, the slow cook technique produces beautifully tender food with an awesome flavour retention and a light smokiness throughout.
You will get to enjoy yam, taro, kumala (sweet potato) and cassava (tapioca), as well as pork, chicken fish or lamb. Yummy right!
Fijian culture and traditions have changed from the early days of labouring in the British-backed sugar industry. This includes the Indian cuisine, which has developed into a deliciously different blend of traditional spices, fresh local ingredients and a hint of Pacific flavours.
If you like Indian cuisine you’ll love the flavours of Fijian Indian dishes. There is just a about every taste for thr buds here!
Although English is spoken throughout Fiji and taught in schools from an early age, Fijian and Hindi are also official languages here and typically the first language among indigenous Fijian and Fiji Indian traditions.
Learning a few words of the local language before you arrive, and how to pronounce the main place names correctly, will certainly land you a few extra smiles. The Fijian lifestyle is a relaxed blend of traditional culture and a strong belief in the family and community.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
