festivites
1. Fiji Day - celebrated on October 10th each year to commemorate Fiji's independence from British colonial rule in 1970. It is a national holiday and is marked by parades, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies in various locations throughout the country.
2. Diwali - also known as the Festival of Lights, it is celebrated by Fiji's large Indo-Fijian population in late October or early November. Diwali commemorates the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Celebrations include the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, and feasting with family and friends.
3. Christmas - celebrated on December 25th like in many other parts of the world, it is a time for Christian Fijians to gather with their families and exchange gifts. Churches hold special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and people decorate their homes and streets with lights and decorations.
4. Eid ul-Fitr - celebrated by Fiji's Muslim community at the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid ul-Fitr is marked by communal prayers, feasting, and spending time with family and friends.
5. Hibiscus Festival - an annual week-long festival held in Suva, Fiji's capital city, usually in August. The festival includes beauty contests, cultural performances, food and craft markets, and a street parade. It is a celebration of Fiji's diverse culture and heritage.
6. Bula Festival - held in Nadi, Fiji's tourist hub, in July every year. The festival features cultural displays, music and dance performances, food stalls, and sporting events like rugby and netball. The aim is to promote tourism and showcase Fiji's unique culture.
7. Fiji International Jazz & Blues Festival - held annually in May, this festival attracts jazz and blues musicians from around the world. The festival takes place in various venues around Suva and is a celebration of music, food, and culture.
seasons
Fiji has two tourist seasons:
1. High Season: July to September and December to January - This is when the weather is warm and dry, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. However, prices are higher, and accommodation can be booked up well in advance, so it's recommended to book early.
2. Low Season: February to June and October to November - During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers. However, prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds, making it a good option for budget travelers or those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
It's worth noting that Fiji's tropical climate means that temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 31°C (88°F). Therefore, visitors can enjoy Fiji's attractions any time of the year, depending on their preferences and budget.
visa
Some special visa rules for visiting Fiji include:
1. Visa-free entry: Citizens of 114 countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, can enter Fiji without a visa for up to four months.
2. Visa on arrival: Citizens of countries not included in the visa-free list can obtain a visa on arrival in Fiji. The cost for this visa is FJD $100 (approximately USD $50).
3. Pre-arrival registration: Citizens of China, India, and Russia must complete an online pre-arrival registration before traveling to Fiji. There is no fee for this registration.
4. Work or study visas: If you plan to work or study in Fiji, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa. The cost for these visas varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.
It is important to note that visa rules and fees may change at any time, so it's best to check with the nearest Fijian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
souvenirs
1. Bula Shirt - Traditional Fijian shirt made from colorful printed fabric. Average price: FJD $30-50. Can be found in local markets and souvenir shops.
2. Tapa Cloth - Bark cloth made from the inner bark of trees, traditionally used for clothing and decoration. Average price: FJD $50-150. Can be found in handicraft markets and souvenir shops.
3. Fijian Carvings - Hand-carved wooden statues, bowls, and masks featuring intricate designs and patterns. Average price: FJD $20-200. Can be found in handicraft markets and souvenir shops.
4. Fiji Water - Bottled water sourced from an aquifer in Viti Levu, widely regarded as some of the purest water in the world. Average price: FJD $2-5 per bottle. Can be found in supermarkets, gift shops, and duty-free stores.
5. Kava Bowl - Traditional ceremonial bowl used for preparing and serving Kava, a drink made from the root of the Kava plant. Average price: FJD $30-100. Can be found in handicraft markets and souvenir shops.
6. Coconut Oil Products - Locally produced coconut oil, soap, and body lotion made from natural ingredients. Average price: FJD $10-30. Can be found in souvenir shops and specialty stores.
7. Pearl Jewelry - Cultured pearls from the waters surrounding Fiji, crafted into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Average price: FJD $50-500. Can be found in jewelry stores and resort gift shops.
Note: Prices may vary depending on location and vendor. It's always good to bargain with vendors in local markets for a better deal.
If you have 1 week
As a DAN, I suggest going off the beaten path and exploring some hidden gems in Fiji.
Day 1: Start by visiting the village of Taveuni, known as the "Garden Island" for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. You can hike through the Bouma National Heritage Park to see stunning waterfalls and rare bird species.
Day 2-3: Head to the Navua River and take a traditional bamboo rafting trip down the river. This will give you a chance to immerse yourself in Fijian culture and appreciate the natural beauty of the island.
Day 4-5: Visit the island of Ovalau, located east of Viti Levu. Here you can explore Levuka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the first colonial capital of Fiji. You'll experience Fijian history and culture as you walk through the quaint town and visit the local museum.
Day 6-7: Go off the grid and visit Kadavu Island, known for its pristine beaches and untouched rainforests. You can take a nature hike to see rare bird species or go scuba diving to witness vibrant coral reefs and sea creatures. This island is perfect for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist destinations and immerse themselves in nature.
If you have 2 weeks
As a DAN, I suggest you skip all those touristy areas mentioned in the classic answer. Instead, rent a car or bike and start driving around Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. Drive through rural villages, meet locals, hit up small roadside stalls for fresh fruits, and experience life like a real Fijian. Stop at beaches that are not overcrowded by tourists, and explore the islands off the beaten path. The true beauty of Fiji lies in its natural landscapes, so hike through the jungle or take a dip in freshwater streams on your way to hidden waterfalls. Take your time to immerse yourself in Fijian culture and traditions, attend village ceremonies, and try their food. In other words, just go where the wind takes you and have fun!
Culture
While indigenous Fijian culture and traditions are very vibrant and are integral components of everyday life for the majority of Fiji's population, Fijian society has evolved over the past century with the introduction of traditions such as Indian and Chinese as well as significant influences from Europe and Fiji's Pacific neighbours, particularly Tonga and Samoa. Thus, the various cultures of Fiji have come together to create a unique multicultural national identity.
Fiji's culture was showcased at the World Exposition held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1986 and more recently at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, along with other Pacific countries in the Pacific Pavilion.
Sports are very popular in Fiji, particularly sports involving physical contact. Fiji's national sport is Rugby sevens. Cricket is a minor sport in Fiji. Cricket Fiji is an associate member of the International Cricket Council ("ICC"). Netball is the most popular women's participation sport in Fiji. The national team has been internationally competitive, at Netball World Cup competitions reaching 6th position in 1999, its highest level to date. The team won gold medals at the 2007 and 2015 Pacific Games.
Because of the success of Fiji's national basketball teams, the popularity of basketball has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In the past, the country only had few basketball courts, which severely limited Fijians who desired to practice the sport more frequently. Through recent efforts by the national federation Basketball Fiji and with the support of the Australian government, many schools have been able to construct courts and provide their students with basketball equipment.
Rugby Union is the most-popular team sport played in Fiji. The Fiji national sevens side is a popular and successful international rugby sevens team and has won the Hong Kong Sevens a record eighteen times since its inception in 1976. Fiji has also won the Rugby World Cup Sevens twice – in 1997 and 2005. The Fiji national rugby union sevens team is the reigning Sevens World Series Champions in World Rugby. In 2016, they won Fiji's first ever Olympic medal in the Rugby sevens at the Summer Olympics, winning gold by defeating Great Britain 43–7 in the final.
The national rugby union team is a member of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance formerly along with Samoa and Tonga. In 2009, Samoa announced their departure from the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance, leaving just Fiji and Tonga in the union. Fiji is currently ranked eleventh in the world by the IRB. The national rugby union team has competed at five Rugby World Cup competitions, the first being in 1987, where they reached the quarter-finals. The team again qualified in the 2007 Rugby World Cup when they upset Wales 38–34 to progress to the quarter-finals where they lost to the eventual Rugby World Cup winners, South Africa.
Fiji competes in the Pacific Tri-Nations and the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. The sport is governed by the Fiji Rugby Union which is a member of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance, and contributes to the Pacific Islanders rugby union team. At the club level there are the Skipper Cup and Farebrother Trophy Challenge.
Fiji is one of the few countries where rugby union is the main sport. There are about 80,000 registered players from a total population of around 900,000. One of the problems for Fiji is simply getting their players to play for their home country, as many have contracts in Europe with the French Top 14 and the English Aviva Premiership or with Super Rugby teams, where monetary compensation is far more rewarding. The repatriated salaries of its overseas stars have become an important part of some local economies. In addition, a significant number of players eligible to play for Fiji end up representing Australia or New Zealand; notable examples are Fiji-born cousins and former New Zealand All Blacks, Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu, current All Blacks Waisake Naholo and Seta Tamanivalu as well as Australian Wallabies former winger, Lote Tuqiri and current Wallabies Tevita Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi and Henry Speight. Fiji has won the most Pacific Tri-Nations Championships of the three participating teams.
The Fiji national rugby league team, nicknamed the Bati (pronounced [mˈbatʃi]), represents Fiji in the sport of rugby league football and has been participating in international competition since 1992. It has competed in the Rugby League World Cup on three occasions, with their best results coming when they made consecutive semi-final appearances in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, 2013 Rugby League World Cup and 2019 Rugby League World Cup. The team also competes in the Pacific Cup.
Members of the team are selected from a domestic Fijian competition, as well as from competitions held in New Zealand and Australia. For the 2000, 2008 and 2013 World Cups, the Bati were captained by Lote Tuqiri, Wes Naiqama and the legendary Petero Civoniceva respectively. Fiji have also produced stars like Akuila Uate, Jarryd Hayne, Kevin Naiqama, Semi Tadulala, Marika Koroibete, Apisai Koroisau, Sisa Waqa and the Sims brothers Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims and Korbin Sims.
The Cibi (pronounced Thimbi) war dance was traditionally performed by the Fiji rugby team before each match. It was replaced in 2012 with the new "Bole" (pronounced mBolay) war cry. Tradition holds that the original Cibi was first performed on the rugby field back in 1939 during a tour of New Zealand, when then Fijian captain Ratu Sir George Cakobau felt that his team should have something to match the Haka of the All Blacks. The 'Cibi' had perhaps been used incorrectly though, as the word actually means "a celebration of victory by warriors," whereas 'Bole' is the acceptance of a challenge. The Fiji Bati rugby league team also gather in a huddle and perform the hymn 'Noqu Masu' before each match.
Association football was traditionally a minor sport in Fiji, popular largely amongst the Indo-Fijian community, but with international funding from FIFA and sound local management over the past decade, the sport has grown in popularity in the wider Fijian community. It is now the second most-popular sport in Fiji, after rugby for men and after netball for women.
The Fiji Football Association is a member of the Oceania Football Confederation. The national football team defeated New Zealand 2–0 in the 2008 OFC Nations Cup, on their way to a joint-record third-place finish. However, they have never reached a FIFA World Cup to date. Fiji won the Pacific Games football tournament in 1991 and 2003. Fiji qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics men's tournament for the first time in history.
Religion
According to the 2007 census, 64.4% of the population at the time was Christian, while 27.9% was Hindu, 6.3% Muslim, 0.8% non-religious, 0.3% Sikh, and the remaining 0.3% belonged to other religions. Among Christians, 54% were counted as Methodist, followed by 14.2% Catholic, 8.9% Assemblies of God, 6.0% Seventh-day Adventist, 1.2% Anglican with the remaining 16.1% belonging to other denominations.
The largest Christian denomination is the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. With 34.6% of the population (including almost two-thirds of ethnic Fijians), the proportion of the population adhering to Methodism is higher in Fiji than in any other nation. Roman Catholics in Fiji are headed by the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Suva, whose province also includes the dioceses of Rarotonga (on the Cook Islands, for those and Niue, both New Zealand-associated countries) and Tarawa and Nauru (with see at Tarawa on Kiribati, also for Nauru) and the Mission sui iuris of Tokelau (New Zealand).
The Assemblies of God and the Seventh-day Adventist denominations are significantly represented. Fiji is the base for the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia (part of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia).These and other denominations have small numbers of Indo-Fijian members; Christians of all kinds comprised 6.1% of the Indo-Fijian population in the 1996 census. Hindus in Fiji mostly belong to the Sanatan sect (74.3% of all Hindus) or else are unspecified (22%). Muslims in Fiji are mostly Sunni (96.4%).
Demographics
The 2017 census found that the population of Fiji was 884,887, compared to the population of 837,271 in the 2007 census. The population density at the time of the 2007 census was 45.8 inhabitants per square kilometre. The life expectancy in Fiji was 72.1 years. Since the 1930s the population of Fiji has increased at a rate of 1.1% per year. The median age of the population was 29.9, and the gender ratio was 1.03 males per 1 female.
Cities:
