• Holidays and festivals in Fiji.Robinson Crusoe Island, Fiji image by Jono026 from Fotolia.com
  
  The Republic of Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific. Most of the population is concentrated on two main islands and so the diverse cultures, Fijian, Indian and Muslim, share many festivals and official holidays throughout the year from Christmas to Mohammed's birthday. Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970 and became a republic in 1987, but retains ties to British culture and holidays as well.
  
  

Fiji Day

• Fiji Day is October 10, a double anniversary. On that date in 1874, Fiji was ceded to the United Kingdom, and on that date in 1970, Fiji gained its independence from British colonial rule. The week leading up to October 10 is known as Fiji Week and is a celebration of national unity and of religious and cultural diversity. Every day, there are performances and programs centered in Fijian and Indian culture--the two main ethnic cultures. The Christian, Hindu and Muslim religions all observe traditions and ceremonies, and there are rallies, songfests, political speeches, a focus on children's games and activities, craft shows and government-sponsored drives to promote health, education and social programs.
  
  

The Queen's Birthday

• Although Fiji has been a republic since 1987, the Queen's Birthday is still celebrated, along with that of the Prince of Wales. Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs still recognizes Elizabeth as the traditional Queen of Fiji, but the title is a ceremonial honor and holds no authority. The Birthday is an official public holiday, generally held in mid-June as it is in England. Elizabeth's real birthday on April 21 is prone to inclement weather--not ideal for parades and ceremonies in the British Isles, so the celebrations are scheduled for a milder season and Fiji goes along with the British date. Everybody gets the day off, which results in lots of goodwill for Queen Elizabeth.
  
  

New Year's Day

• The New Year is celebrated for a week or more in Fiji, which has one of the largest and liveliest parties in the South Pacific. Suva, the capital, sets off fireworks and throws an annual Street Party in which traditional drums are accompanied by mandolins, guitars, ukuleles and other instruments. On every island there is dancing--the "Meke" is a classic Fiji dance in which the women do the "seasea," a fan dance, and the men do a spear dance called the "Make wesi." The dances are a history in movement of the Fiji Islands, and frequently modern elements are added to mark contemporary events. Plenty of Kava is drunk and New Year's resolutions made, doubtless with the same good intentions as New Year's resolutions in the less colorful corners of the planet.
  
  

Diwali, the Festival of Lights

• Fiji's large Indian population is the source of the Hindu Festival of Lights, but it has evolved into a national public holiday for all Fijians. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is honored with open houses and the sharing of traditional sweets. This is the time to wear new clothes and to begin a set of new books if you have a business, in order to bring prosperity in the coming year. Indo-Fijian homes are often decorated with flashing lights, and general hospitality means invitations to festive meals and parties throughout the islands.