Culture

By Leila Parina It’s Wednesday afternoon in the old capital of Fiji, and I am waiting for the clock to strike 2 before I can prepare to depart for the next boat to Suva. I have been in Levuka for less than 24 hours and I am already in awe of its rich history, old […]

By Ariela Zibiah. Photos: Zoomfiji The Namosi Eco Retreat, nestled in a remote part of Fiji, is a get-away in all senses of the word. The sky feels bigger, the milky way appears to be at arm’s length, the air is crisp, and you are completely off grid, creating a feeling of being cocooned in […]

By Ariela Zibiah A political cartoon published in 1977 in Fiji has taken on a rather poignant meaning, as it could’ve been speaking to today’s political impasse. The cartoon depicts Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, whose party had just experienced its first loss after two elections, leaving on a boat (Leadership) and Siddiq Koya, the then […]

Get ready to experience the magic of watching dancers in flight, as Moana Loa brings aerial acrobatics to the Fiji Fringe Festival. Moana Loa was established in October 2015 and is home to some of the best emerging gymnasts and aerialists in the country. Co-founder Ateca Ravuvu says the dance company will be performing an […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “The nature of the fringe festival allows artists to be unbound by the expectation of a funding second party, affording them the liberty to create and present work that is a more honest reflection of their practice.” – Navi Fong VOU, known for their fiery performances, is bringing the heat from the […]

We’re all about fun and excitement and that is the spirit we bring to all of our dance performances, says Amit Chand, Director of Masti Arts and Dance Group. Masti (which means ‘fun’ in Hindi) is a dedicated group of creative young dancers who have performed 4000 shows across Fiji, as well as international gigs, […]

The Fiji Fringe Festival this week released its artists guide, with details of the performers who will be appearing at the event, which runs in Suva from 25th February till the 4th of March. Fiji Traveller is proud to be a sponsor of the festival. Look out for our profiles of the performers and activities […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti “We are excited to be witnessing so many different art forms that make up Fiji’s creative industry. We are also looking forward to watching and supporting our fellow artists in the festival and celebrating their unique contributions to our arts industry.” Expect an electric performance at the Fiji Fringe Festival from Fiji’s […]

Custom, handcrafted Tanoas, or Fijian bowls, will be displayed across restaurants and bars at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva with the aim to elevate guest experience. IHG says the handmade wooden bowls are a testament to the Ministry of Forestry’s joint efforts with local Fijian villages in upskilling carvers to create sustainable income opportunities […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti A sports photography exhibition currently on show in Suva, The Digital Land of Games, pays homage to the various landscapes that sports touch. The exhibition, which you can see at the Alliance Francaise, is a crossroads between sports and culture, and also serves as a prelude to the Olympic Games, to be […]

From Queensland Art Gallery comes this interview with Salote Tawale, developed specifically for ‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT10). ‘No Location’ comprises an almost 15-metre-long bamboo raft referencing a bilibili. QAGOMA writes: “With humour and a lightness of touch, Tawale gently proposes that we consider the potential of this cultural knowledge and […]

By Iliesa Tora First it was Sandalwood Blood. Now it’s They Said. Two books in a space of seven years, authored by a Fijian in Tonga, Iliesa Samu Lala. Now 72 years old, the almost-7-foot giant of a man’s recent work, They Said, collects discussions and conversations he recorded over the years as he travelled the globe. These […]

Join us for an afternoon & night of International award-winning short films from USA, South Africa, UK, Japan and more. From Fiji, the festival will showcase recognized local films by up-and-coming Fijian filmmakers, together with films from former winners of the local Kula Film Awards. The event also marks the launch of the country’s Media Learning […]

A matriarch of music, the Queen of Vude, supporter of many charities, and a diva who comes home and cooks for her family every night.  Laisa Vulakoro has an in-depth talanoa with Islands Business’ Rowena Singh about her four decades in the industry. “I’ve been in this industry for over 40 years and I’m still […]

By Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti The 50th anniversary of the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture was marked in Suva this month with fire-dancjng and Rotuman rhythms, as well as contemporary dances and songs. The theme ‘Na wekaqu, noqu iyau’ which means ‘My relationships are my heritage and wealth,” put a spotlight on kinships and relationships. In […]

Words and images: Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds, soft lapping waves and a soft breeze, uninterrupted by the sound of loud, noisy traffic and the fast pace of city life. That is what it’s like to live on Moce island in Fiji. On Moce in the Lau group, 325km […]

Words and images: Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti The trip to Moce in Fiji’s Lau group, I must admit, was scary but thrilling for me. It was the first time I’ve travelled by boat by myself, and I didn’t know anyone else aboard. At the back of my mind as I boarded the Lomaiviti Princess IV, was how […]

By Debbie Singh The Maria Daulato kei Jisu Na Gone Sau mai Nasareci (Immaculate Maria and Jesus the Child King of Nazareth) is a masterpiece in mosaic depicting Mother Mary and the child Jesus. The magnificent mural is the first of its kind in Fiji and the Pacific, and was created by Fijian artist George […]

By Rowena Singh “Fiji is a strong part of my existence,” says ghazal and Bollywood singer Kavita Kalyan. Kalyan is Australian born, but with strong family ties that take her back to Fiji, and her extended family in Suva regularly. “Despite living in Australia, I have always identified as being Fijian. Furthermore,  my parents’ heavy […]

Colin Philp was a founder and co-Chair of The Duavata Collective, which champions the interconnection between experiences within local communities, the environment & culture.​ Here, members of the Collective pay tribute to Colin. Colin meant so much to so many different people and as the many reflections and stories of his life and legacy pour […]

Words: Talai Narisia Photos: Tourism Fiji I gasped and held my breath when Misi called my name. Misi is the priest in charge of the firewalking ceremony unfolding before guests of Beqa Lagoon Resort. As I made my way forward, I fear the stinging, unbearable heat from the hot white stones. The spectators are a […]