Christmas in Fiji: A Tropical Celebration of Love and Togetherness

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.

No Fijian Christmas is complete without a feast, and the culinary highlights are typically a Lovo (a traditional Fijian underground oven) and an abundance of seafood. A Lovo is used to cook meats, vegetables, and root crops, giving the food a unique, smoky flavor, It's an essential part of the celebration.

Fijians also love to bring food as a gift when visiting their neighbors, friends, or extended family. It’s a gesture of kindness, generosity, and love, and food is often considered more important than material gifts. The act of sharing food brings people closer and reinforces the values of community and togetherness that are central to Fijian life.

Good luck trying to get any business done on Christmas in Fiji—most shops and services are closed, with the exception of a few essential stores.In the lead-up to Christmas, one thing that signals the arrival of the festive season in Fiji is the music. Specifically, the sounds of Boney M’s "Feliz Navidad" blasting from stores, homes, and car radios.

It’s a bit of a competition between shops to see who can play the song the loudest, and it's something that locals and visitors alike look forward to. As much as the volume might make customers chuckle or even shout to get the cashier’s attention, the festive tunes help set the mood for the season.