Culture

By Kite Pareti The Rara Room at the Grand Pacific Hotel buzzes with excitement as families, friends and soon-to-be friends gather for one common purpose – the love for arts and crafts. Hosted at the end of every month, the ‘Art & Sip’ events facilitated by Peter Sipeli, founder of Guided Walking Tours, Suva, attract […]

By Prerna Priyanka At just 16, Navi Fong stumbled into a dance studio in Fiji and unknowingly stepped onto a path that would see him enthral Fijians and people across the globe. Fong is a mesmerising presence on stage, his long hair and tall, strong frame commanding attention. But since his stage debut, he has […]

By Samantha Magick Sugar is a commodity weighted with meaning in Fiji, from its role in the country’s economic history and migration stories to its place in the dietary choices and health status of its citizens. Sugar is also the title and connecting thread between the protagonists of a compelling new novel written by political […]

By Ema Ganivatu Fijian writer Adi Tulia Nacola has turned her talents to film with the release of her debut short film, Bubu Belo. This heartfelt project celebrates the beauty of village life and the strength of Fijian youth. Adi Nacola, from Soa in Nakorotubu, Ra, with maternal links to Nasukamai in Ra, wrote the […]

By Kite Pareti Lomanikoro, a small chiefly village in the province of Rewa in eastern Fiji, is the first site of an initiative that aims to reconnect young Fijians living abroad with their cultural roots. The initiative titled ‘Voyager: A Journey Back Home’, offers two weeks of hands-on learning experiences about Fijian customs, crafts, dance […]

By Ema Ganivatu For over 40 years, a 64-year-old i-Taukei craftswoman has captivated buyers, tourists, and locals with her beautifully crafted handmade products, earning admiration for her timeless skills and creativity. This year, Lanieta Raratabu, who traveled from Waimalua Settlement in Serea, Naitasiri, was one of the women participating in the National Craft Exhibition in […]

By Ema Ganivatu  Fijian Artist Irami Buli is sitting in a spacious room where his colorful pieces are displayed alongside works by other talented local artists. The works are submissions in the National Fine Arts Awards, which are now on display at the National Art Gallery in downtown Suva. “Art speaks to our identity, our history, and […]

By Kite Pareti Mele Nabola’s journey with art began from a young age. Her father, who’s also an artist, has been her inspiration which encouraged her to follow in his footsteps.  “Growing up I would see him paint sign boards for a living. I would help him clean his brushes and then later on I […]

By Prerna Priyanka At the meeting point of Nadi’s busiest roads lies a sanctuary of spiritual grandeur and culinary delights, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple and Saravana Bhavan Restaurant. The Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple stands as a testament to the rich heritage and devotion of the Indo-Fijian community. As the largest Hindu temple […]

By Andhy Blake On the serene Suncoast of Rakiraki, the Golden Point Resort offers an unexpected fusion of flavours that makes it a beacon of culinary excellence. Known for its breathtaking views and relaxing accommodation, the resort offers one of the most extensive menus in Fiji, featuring an array of delectable seafood dishes. But it […]

This year’s Allan Alo Festival last night opened with a stunning performance, and featured an exhibition of renowned Pacific artists. The week-long festival promises to captivate audiences by focusing on Pacific cultural heritage, with contributions from regional guest artists as well as students of the late Allan Alo in Fiji. Hosted at the Oceania Art […]

On the third Sunday of every month, all local residents are invited to visit the Fiji Museum at a discounted rate. New ticket prices for adults age 16 and over will be $5, while kids age 15 and under is $2.50. The Fiji Museum team is offering this incentive once a month “to thank local […]

Home to more than 600 waterfalls By Andhy Blake Ambrosial and beautiful, Taveuni has long been known as Fiji’s ‘Garden Island’. And it is true that Taveuni’s lush tropical flora is breathtaking and one of the first things you notice as you descend into Matei airport. But it is not until you finally land that […]

By Kalinga Seneviratne By any standards, Tuvalu would be considered a unique place to visit – after all, it is at the frontline of the battle against climate change. But as a travel destination, it is a world apart. In a world of its own. Until I arrived in Tuvalu, I had not seen an […]

By Kite Pareti Editor’s note: Vavavi has moved location since this article, but still offers a rich local food experience. It is a bright Saturday morning, and I am heading out of Nadi to learn how to make some delicious local food. Lovo is a traditional cooking method, practiced for centuries in Fiji and across […]

A passion project taking the Rotuman diaspora by storm By Donna Hoerder What started as a passion project for two cousins is creating a flurry of interest for many other Rotumans. Especially the Rotuman diaspora who can relate to the challenges and expense of visiting Rotuma, an island 400 miles northwest of the capital Suva, […]

By Samantha Magick In an age where art is increasingly digitally-manipulated, there is no mistaking the artist’s hand in the work of Su Elliott. Elliott likes to leave the faint traces of her erasures and evidence of her brush strokes in her finished works. “To me it is important for whoever’s looking at the work […]

Levuka makes a memorable first impression. Arriving by sea,  colourful storefronts and historic buildings are framed by the forested slopes of an extinct volcano rising sharply behind the township. Levuka, as Fiji’s first capital (1874-1882), is a town of many firsts. It is a significant cultural world heritage site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific […]

By Prerna Priyanka Fijian storyteller and climate activist, Fenton Lutunatabua, is gearing up for the premiere of his debut film ‘Vakaraitaka’ at the Maoriland Film Festival in March. The festival, now in its 11th year, is New Zealand’s premier international Indigenous Film Festival, and provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. ‘Vakaraitaka’ is a […]

By Rowena Singh “There’s never a last song,” says InsideOut lead singer and guitarist, Apakuki Nalawa about the band’s ability to fill dancefloors. “We have to literally run off the stage. People just don’t want to stop partying, dancing and singing.” InsideOut’s passion, iTaukei lyrics, melody and instrumentation has brought them fame across Fiji and […]

By Ben Wheeler For many, the name Martin Scorsese is synonymous with American cinema. His films Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas are considered by many to be among the greatest Hollywood has ever produced. Others like After Hours and The King of Comedy have a distinctly cult following and have inspired art as varied […]

By Prerna Priyanka In the vibrant world of urban and open-style hip-hop dance, TUINZ stands out as a dynamic duo, making waves in Fiji and beyond.  Comprising twins Adriel and Akuila Tuivaga, TUINZ promises an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and a tribute to a dear friend at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival. With a […]

By Samisoni Pareti Located on the northwest tip of Vanuabalavu, Lau, tiny limestone islets— many of them looking more like boulders –litter the bay to make up this natural wonder. The limestone rocks are secure anchors, and the many narrow channels and sheltered coves form natural anchorage and berthing bays for yachts, motorboats and other […]

By Prerna Priyanka In a blend of creativity and performance, Moana Loa is set to mesmerise audiences at the upcoming Fiji Fringe Festival with a whimsical performance inspired by a childhood favourite. Choreographer Maleina Molia says: “The audience can expect Moana Loa to bring a fun performance to the Fringe Festival with a themed storyline […]