In Fiji, the arrival of the New Year is marked by a unique celebration known as Na Vakatawase, which translates to "The Division" or "The Separation."

This name symbolizes the division of the old year from the new, a ritual to both honor the year that has passed and rejoice in the possibilities of the year to come. As the clock strikes twelve, families gather to reflect on the year that has passed and to give thanks for the blessings they've received. Once the church service is over, the celebrations take a lively turn with the tradition of Veisui and Vakamamaca, both of which are closely linked to the idea of cleansing and renewal.

Veisui (meaning 'to splash water') involves splashing water on friends, family, and even strangers. This practice is believed to wash away the sins or misdeeds of the past year, symbolizing a fresh start and the cleansing of the soul. It's a playful and joyful act, often done with much laughter and camaraderie.

Vakamamaca (meaning 'to dry') is the follow-up to Veisui.…more

In Fiji, like many Pacific Islands, the focus of Christmas has always been the birth of Jesus Christ. For most Fijians, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are primarily about spiritual reflection and church celebrations.

Christmas Eve is often a time when Fijian families attend church services, and Christmas Day is filled with special church skits, singing, and communal meals to honor the birth of Christ. It’s a day that is rooted in religion and devotion, with many people dedicating the entire day to worship and fellowship.

One unique tradition that truly embodies the Fijian sense of unity is the Kalavata (pronounced Colour-vah-tah), a custom where the entire family wears matching outfits made from the same material.

It’s a striking visual representation of the family unit, symbolizing their togetherness and love for one another. This tradition is one of pride and respect, where the family dresses up in bright, colorful fabrics, often with floral or patterned prints, creating a festive and harmonious look for the Christmas celebrations.…more

The Fijian Tradition of Asking for a Maiden's Hand in Marriage

Fiji is known for its beautiful landscapes and culture, particularly when it comes to marriage customs and December to January is particularly a time commonly picked by couples to celebrate in matrimony.

One key tradition before the wedding is how a young man asks for a maiden's hand in marriage. In the song “io” sung by Apakuki Nalawa of the band Inside Out he sings “au na Duguci iko, mo rosi ni nodaru vuvale vou” which summarises the Duguci process so beautifully, “i will come for you, so that you may be the rose in the flowerbed that our new family creates."

The path to marriage in Fiji includes 20 important stages, each with its own meaning. The first stage is called Taibailago, where the young man’s family tells the young woman’s parents that their son is interested in their daughter. This step is crucial as it marks the beginning of the courtship.

As the couple moves through the stages, they experience various important rituals.…more

Content Creator Uce Gang recently realised one of his biggest dreams when he met his idol Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

The tradition of firewalking in Fiji did not always exist. It is believed to have begun a couple of hundred years ago in the small village of Nakarovu on Beqa Island. According to legend, the origins of this power can be traced back to a man named Tuinaiviqalita and the spirit God he caught.

Tuinaiviqalita, who was seeking to gain favor with a village elder, went in search of an eel to present as a gift. While digging near a creek, he captured one of Fiji's spirit gods, known locally as a 'veli', instead of an eel. The 'veli' begged Tuinaiviqalita to let him go, and in exchange, offered him and his descendants the power to control fire. Intrigued by this offer, Tuinaiviqalita followed the 'veli' as it leaped across a pit of scorching hot river stones. To Tuinaiviqalita's amazement, he was able to walk across the fiery stones unharmed, realizing the 'veli' had indeed granted him this extraordinary gift, he let the veli go.…more

Hualālai Chung
Actor
Kanaka Maoli

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Hawaiian actor Hualālai Chung is the voice of Moni, a character that joins Moana on her journey in the franchise's sequel, 'Moana 2.' Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, he carries with him the rich cultural heritage of his Polynesian roots, inspired by his upbringing in a family of performers and entertainers.

Hualālai shares his passion for storytelling, especially through film and music, and his desire to represent Pasifika cultures and share their stories with the world.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. My parents were both performers and avid entertainers in our local industry here, so I grew up throughout Waikīkī, running around all the different showrooms and entertainment venues. It was when I was a child that I knew I wanted to be a performer, specifically a Sāmoan fire knife dancer.

Fire knife dancing has been an immense passion of mine, eventually expanding my horizons into acting and music as I got older.…more

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Fiji's rugby sevens team emerged victorious at the Emirates Dubai 7s over the weekend, claiming the title for the first time in eight years.

This victory marks the end of a 22-tournament drought for Fiji, a significant achievement under the guidance of player-turned-coach Osea Kolinisau. The team showcased a remarkable performance, culminating in a decisive 19-5 victory against Spain in the men's final.

The match began with Spain taking an early lead, scoring 5 points in the first half. However, Fiji quickly retaliated, matching Spain's score just before heading into the second half, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.

Kolinisau expressed his joy and relief after the match, stating, “It’s been a long time coming for the boys,” especially in light of the drama that has surrounded the Fiji Rugby scene in recent years. His leadership has been pivotal in bringing the team together, revitalizing the squad with a blend of new talent and experienced players.…more

🌺✨ Join us on the blue carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of Moana 2!  Te Reo🎥🌊

In this video, we chat with the cast, crew, and special guests about the magic behind bringing this Polynesian adventure to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to heartfelt moments of cultural pride, you won’t want to miss what the stars have to say.

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🎤 Featuring interviews with:
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