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Get ready to celebrate the vibrant culture and rich history of Fiji on October 10, also known as Fiji Day! This holiday commemorates the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1970. But it's not just about marking a significant moment in history – it's also a day for Fijians to come together and showcase their traditions, music, dance, and delicious cuisine. From colorful parades to traditional ceremonies, there are plenty of ways to join in on the festivities and experience the warmth and hospitality of this beautiful island nation. So let's raise our glasses (or coconuts) to Fiji Day and all the wonderful things it represents!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1874</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fiji becomes a British colony, after years of tribal conflict and some European settlers establishing themselves on the islands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Mixing</div><div class='timeline-text'>The arrival of Indian indentured laborers during British rule leads to a fusion of Fijian and Indo-Fijian culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fiji Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fiji gains independence from British rule and the first Fiji Day is celebrated on October 10.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Republic Status</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fiji becomes a republic after two coups, severing remaining vestiges of British constitutional authority yet retaining Queen’s English as one of its official languages.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fiji Day Extension</div><div class='timeline-text'>The duration of Fiji Day celebrations is extended, turning the event into a week-long festival showcasing Fijian culture and history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Today's Fiji Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fiji Day is now a day for both celebrating independence and showcasing Fijian traditions and diversity to the world.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook traditional Fijian food</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and prepare a traditional Fijian feast. This could include dishes like kokoda, lovo, or palusami. Not only will you celebrate Fiji Day, but you'll also get to experience the delicious flavors of Fijian cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dance to Fijian music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put on some Fijian tunes and have a dance party! You can learn some traditional Fijian dances or just let loose and have fun celebrating Fiji Day with your favorite music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Fijian movie or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn more about Fiji's culture and history by watching a Fijian movie or documentary. This is a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Fiji Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a kava ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Kava is a traditional Fijian drink made from the roots of the kava plant. Gather some friends and have a kava ceremony to celebrate Fiji Day. Don't forget to follow the proper etiquette and protocols for the ceremony.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear traditional Fijian attire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage everyone to dress up in traditional Fijian attire, such as a sulu (sarong) for men or a sulu jaba (dress) for women. This is a great way to show pride and honor for Fiji on its special day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Fiji's independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Fiji Day commemorates the day when Fiji gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1970. It holds a great significance in the country's history and is an opportunity for Fijians to reflect on their past struggles and celebrate their nation's sovereignty.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes cultural diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Fiji is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from indigenous Fijian, Indian, Chinese, European and other Pacific Islander cultures. Fiji Day is a celebration of this diverse culture, showcasing traditional dances, music, food, and customs that make up the vibrant Fijian culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Fiji Day is a national holiday, so people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate their shared identity as Fijians. It's a day filled with joy, laughter, and bonding as families and communities gather for feasts, parades, and other festivities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fiji Has More Than 300 Islands</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Fijian archipelago comprises more than 300 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu being the largest ones. While many are uninhabited, each island has its unique attributes and cultural qualities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day Celebration is Called "Fiji Day"</h3><p class='facts-content'>Instead of calling it Independence Day like many other countries, Fiji refers to the day the country gained independence from British colonial rule as "Fiji Day." This reflects a sense of national identity and unity among the Fijians.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fiji Has Three Official Languages</h3><p class='facts-content'>English, Bau Fijian, and Hindi are all official languages in Fiji, reflecting the country's diverse cultural makeup and history. Interestingly, English, being the language of the colonizers, is still used in government and education sectors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fiji's Flag Represents its History and Geography</h3><p class='facts-content'>Fiji's national flag includes the Union Jack, representing the country's British colonial past, and a shield featuring indigenous symbols, including a lion and sugar cane, highlighting Fiji's agricultural industry and Pacific Island heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fiji Has A Unique Form of Art Called Masi</h3><p class='facts-content'>Fijians are renowned for their cultural art called Masi, or tapa cloth, which is made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. It is traditionally painted with beautiful designs using organic dyes and is used in various ceremonies and as a canvas for storytelling.</p></div></div>
Fiji Day is celebrated on October 10 every year. In 2024 Fiji Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Oct 10
Tuesday
2024
Oct 10
Thursday
2025
Oct 10
Friday
2026
Oct 10
Saturday
2027
Oct 10
Sunday
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