Celebrating Fiji Independence Day
Have you ever heard of the national holiday of Fiji Day? Maybe you’re asking, ‘What is Fiji Independence Day?’ and, better yet, ‘When is Fiji Day?’ All these questions and more will be answered in this article.
Here, we’ll break down this island nation’s unique journey out of colonisation and into full-fledged independence. We’ll also give you a few key suggestions on how to celebrate best (hint: sending money back home through WorldRemit is just one great way to do that!).
Table of contents
WorldRemit Content Team
• 4 mins read • Updated
What is Fiji Independence Day?
You may be wondering ‘When is Fiji independence Day anyway?’ After 96 years of British colonial rule, Fiji was granted independence on 10th October 1970.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, a public holiday was declared for Fiji Independence Day. Fiji Independence Day has henceforth been celebrated on that date every year since. The year 2023 will mark its 53rd anniversary.
A historical journey of Fiji's independence
Fiji Independence Day has a long and unique history. Some of the key highlights from the history of Fiji Day include:
3500 - 1000 BC: Fiji settled by Austronesian people and there is some evidence of Polynesian and Lapita influence.
17th - 19th centuries: Europeans arrive and begin the process of colonisation.
1840s: A time of conflict where Fijian clans try to assert dominance over one another.
1871 - 1874: The Kingdom of Fiji was established, creating a constitutional monarchy amongst the indigenous Fijian people.
1917: Fiji only peripherally involved in World War I.
1965: Constitutional congress held in London to discuss sweeping changes to government, such as creation of Parliament and House of Representatives.
10 October 1970: Fijian flag raised for the first time after dawn, as the British flag is retired.
Fiji Week: Independence Day celebrations in Fiji
The week leading up to Fiji Day celebrations is called Fiji Week. During this week of celebrations, there are dances, dinners, entertainment and games. As mentioned previously, Fiji Day is a public holiday so Fiji residents have the day off of work to enjoy spending time with family and friends. One of the traditional dances that’s performed around this time period is called the ‘Meke’. Traditional dishes are also prepared, such as ‘cassava’, ‘dalo,’ ‘rourou’ and marinated chicken. These delicious finds are sometimes made in an underground oven and the whole process of cooking for large groups is called a ‘lovo’.
Significance of independence of Fiji
Because Fiji has a history of European influence, Independence Day is intended to celebrate its indigenous communities. While commemorating the efforts of its leaders to bring about its eventual independence.
Overall, the National Fiji Day celebrates the unity and cultural diversity of this country’s rich history – and gives its people a time to reflect on how far they’ve come.
Celebrating Fiji Day far from home
Are you a Fijian citizen living away from home? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways for you to connect with your heritage, even if you can’t be there on the day. One way is to find Fiji Day posters to post up and reflect on. You could also find Fiji Day poems to read aloud to your family and friends, so that you can celebrate some of the cultural impacts of the country’s great artists.
If you live in a large enough country or city, you may find that there is already a Fijian immigrant community there for you to tap into. For example, Australia will host the Fiji Day Sydney Festival in 2023, where the diaspora community can get together to witness cultural and contemporary performances.
These performances were designed to effectively capture the spirit of Fiji and Pacific islander culture in a day intended for families to gather for mass celebrations. Have you had a look at any similar events that may be going on near you?
Send money to Fiji with WorldRemit
Another way to connect with your family and friends back home during Independence Day in Fiji is to send a money transfer to Fiji to help them celebrate. The WorldRemit app is currently trusted by over six million people worldwide (and counting!) to send hard-earned money overseas, wherever and whenever it’s needed.
We make sending money fast, easy and affordable, too. So why not give us a try ahead of this year’s Fiji Day celebrations?
The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice, you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.
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