Discover Fiji Culture
Fiji has long been celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, from its sun-kissed beaches to its lush, green rainforest. But there’s far more to the Fiji Islands than what meets the eye. Look beyond the towering palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and authentic wood-and-straw huts, and you’ll begin to experience the true heart and soul of this tropical paradise.
Listen closely, and you might hear the powerful percussion streaming from a meke (dance) performance or the angelic hymns from the Sunday choir. Or, take a deep breath, and smell the rich scent of a lovo feast or the inviting smells of an Indo-Fijian curry dish. Whether you’re sipping kava at a traditional ceremony or admiring precious local pearls, there are so many ways to appreciate and familiarize yourself with life in Fiji.
Traditions and Customs that Define Fijian Heritage
During your visit, you’ll soon realize Fiji is one of the happiest places in the world, which seems to make the Fijian people extremely friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. While you’re here, take special care to experience the rich Fiji culture on the island with weekly cultural entertainment and excursions, from attending a dinner show at Main Bure restaurant and exploring the local villages and towns to meeting locals in person and making new friends.
Craft your stay at Namale Resort & Spa to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Fiji. At our luxury boutique resort, we invite you to indulge in our local activities and attractions to learn more about our Fiji history and culture. Experience the meaning of the “bula spirit”—the Fijian way of life that celebrates life, happiness, and appreciation for all things.
Kava Drinking Ceremonies
Kava is the national drink of Fiji, and the Kava Ceremony is an essential experience of the local culture. Kava is made when the crushed root of the Yaqona plant (a relative of the pepper plant) is strained with water into a large communal bowl (a tanoa, or kava bowl). A mild sedative, Kava is relaxing and sometimes numbs the lips and mouth. But, the most integral part of the Kava drinking ceremony is the communal aspect, as ceremonies are often organized to welcome visitors, to mark important occasions, or to celebrate friendship. It is a way to bring locals and travelers together and is a symbol of respect, warmth, and hospitality. Served in a half coconut shell (bilo in Fijian), try a high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup) – but be sure to clap once and say bula! before you drink, and clap three times after.
Fijian Meke Performance
Meke is a thrilling performance of traditional song and dance which tells the history, love stories, and legends of Fiji. It’s a wonderful way to experience the spirit of the islands while watching the vakatara (orchestra) and mantara (dancers) in full traditional dress perform rhythmic movements set to percussive drumming and clapping. Watch traditional Fijian warriors perform an exciting spear dance, followed by a graceful fan dance performed by the women of the village. Villagers of all ages, from babies to elders, take part in the special performance. After the completion of the meke, guests are invited to join the group for a taralala, a simple group dance full of energy and community among locals and guests.
Traditional Village Tour
Get a glimpse of daily life in a local Fijian village. Vivilli village is located right across the street from Namale, and Naidi village is a quick 5 minute drive in our air conditioned transfer. A local village tour is a truly unique way to experience traditional local life. Upon arriving in a Fijian village, it is customary for someone from the group, along with our Namale tour guide, to present the village chief with an offering of kava root to show respect and thank them for allowing the group to visit. Once this ceremony is completed, take a walking tour of the village, exploring the church, community gathering places, and local homes. Meet hordes of excited children eager to greet you, and peruse handmade goods crafted by the women villagers. Learn about the ways of village life, from living without electricity to communal cooking to social life, and get a true taste of the culture of the island.
Embrace the Fijian Way of Life
Explore local Fijian village life beyond the resort by visiting Vivilli village, conveniently located across the street from Namale, or Naidi village, just a quick 5-minute drive away with our air-conditioned transfer. A village tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Fijian life and culture.
Upon arrival, it’s customary for someone from the group, accompanied by our Namale tour guide, to present the village chief with an offering of kava root as a sign of respect and gratitude for allowing the visit. Following the ceremony, enjoy a guided walking tour of the village, where you can visit community gathering spots and local homes, interact with enthusiastic children, and browse handmade goods crafted by village women. Learn about village life, including communal cooking and living without electricity, for an authentic glimpse into Fiji island culture.
Kava Ceremonies to Community Values
Kava, Fiji’s national drink, is central to the island’s culture, with the kava ceremony being a must-have Fiji experience. Made from the crushed root of the Yaqona plant, it’s strained with water into a communal bowl called a tanoa. Served in a half coconut shell known as a “bilo,” Kava offers a mild sedative effect, promoting relaxation. The ceremony’s communal aspect is essential, often welcoming visitors and marking special occasions, fostering respect, warmth, and hospitality among locals and travelers. To partake in this Fiji tradition, try a high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup), and don’t forget to clap once and say “Bula!” before drinking, followed by three claps afterward.
Fijan Sounds of Joy
Our resort hosts a special event each Sunday evening where the local church choir performs enchanting songs during cocktail hour. It’s a unique opportunity to embrace Fiji’s rich history, culture, and religion while enjoying a delicious meal and cocktail. Take time to unwind and be serenaded by the powerful choir songs of the local villagers.
Church Visit & Sunday Choir
Every Sunday evening at Namale the local church choir comes to serenade guests with beautiful songs during cocktail hour and dinner. Or if you’d like, join the community for a Sunday service at the local church and experience the energy and impact of faith in Fiji. At the church, get the chance to meet and mingle with the choir group and hear about their local church. Namale’s activities staff will guide and transport you to the nearby church, a humble and beautiful building tucked amongst the village and the rainforest.
Lovo Dinner
Lovo is a community feast prepared in a traditional earthen pit. To cook lovo, chicken, fish, and pork are wrapped in palm fronds or banana leaves are placed into a pit dug into the ground and lined with hot stones. Then, root vegetables native to Fiji like dalo (root of the taro plant), cassava (root of the tapioca plant), and uvi (wild yams) are added to the mix, and the pit is covered with earth and coconut palms to create an underground oven. What emerges hours later is a smoky, delicious barbecue, served buffet style in our Walu Restaurant.
Indo-Fijian Night
Nearly 40% of Fiji’s population is Indo-Fijian, and Namale’s weekly Indo-Fijian night is dedicated to celebrating Indian cultural influences. Enjoy a festive setting in Main Bure restaurant created by special decor while watching an evening show featuring an Indo-Fijian band and Bollywood-style modern dance. Indulge in unique menus featuring a sampling of Indo-Fijian cuisine, curries, and sweet and savory bites. Plus, enjoy complimentary Mendhi (temporary henna tattoos) at our special mendhi station on Main Bure’s front deck.
The Artistic Expressions of Fiji
From intricate wood carvings and vibrant tapa cloth designs to captivating meke (dance) performances and soulful music, Fijian artistry encompasses diverse mediums and traditions. Traditional motifs and symbols, such as the masi patterns and tanoa carvings, pay homage to ancestral wisdom and spiritual beliefs. At the same time, contemporary artists infuse their work with modern influences and perspectives.
Through their creations, Fijian artists convey a deep connection to the land, sea, and community, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the beauty and resilience of Fijian culture.
Exploring Music, Dance, and Craftsmanship
Meke performances are integral to Fijian culture, showcasing traditional song and dance that narrates the island’s history, love stories, and legends. Experience the vibrant spirit of Fiji as the vakatara (orchestra) and mantara (dancers) in traditional attire perform rhythmic movements to percussive drumming and clapping.
Witness captivating performances, including a dynamic spear dance by Fijian warriors and an elegant fan dance by village women. All ages, from children to elders, participate in these special performances, fostering a sense of community and energy. After the meke, join the group for a taralala, a lively dance enjoyed by locals and guests alike.
Fiji’s Culinary Delights: A Taste of Paradise
Fiji’s culinary delights offer a tantalizing fusion of flavors inspired by its diverse cultural heritage and abundant natural Fiji resources. Every bite is a taste of paradise, from fresh seafood caught daily to tropical fruits bursting with sweetness, every bite is a taste of paradise. Traditional Fijian dishes like kokoda (marinated fish salad) and lovo (earth oven-cooked meats and vegetables) showcase indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Influences from Indian and European cuisines add depth and variety to the culinary landscape, with dishes like curries and roti becoming beloved staples.
Savoring the Flavors of Traditional Fijian Cuisine
Savusavu’s open-air market hosts vendors selling local goods, including fresh fruit, spices, kava, honey, handicrafts, woodwork, and textiles every Saturday. Located just a 10-minute drive from Namale, Savusavu town offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Explore and purchase memorable souvenirs or discover exotic local foods, such as the fresh catch of the day or locally produced coconut oil. The authenticity is assured as even Namale’s chefs regularly visit the market to source the freshest ingredients for our kitchens.
The Spirit of Fiji: Understanding Local Philosophy
The Spirit of Fiji embodies a profound connection to tradition, community, and nature. Rooted in the concept of “vanua,” or land, Fijian philosophy emphasizes a harmonious relationship between people and their environment. Central to this ethos is the notion of “vei lomani,” or mutual respect and love, fostering strong community bonds.
Traditional practices like the kava ceremony symbolize unity and hospitality, reflecting the importance of collective well-being over individual gain. Understanding the local philosophy of Fiji unveils a deep reverence for ancestral wisdom and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage, ultimately shaping a resilient and vibrant society rooted in values of respect, reciprocity, and resilience.
Slowing Down to Appreciate Life’s Moments
In Fiji, slowing down to appreciate life’s moments is a choice and a way of life. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and immersed in a culture of warmth and hospitality, Fijians prioritize living in the present. Whether savoring a sunset over the ocean, sharing stories with locals over a bowl of kava, or simply basking in the tranquility of island life, every moment in Fiji is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect with oneself and others.
Pearl Farm Tour
Discover the farming and cultivating process of some of the world’s rarest saltwater pearls, grown and harvested right in Savusavu Bay. Let our activities staff schedule you an affordable tour with local operator J. Hunter Pearls, and snorkel above the underwater farms, where the pearl oysters are suspended from ropes below the surface. Then visit the showroom to learn more about the process and take home some precious pearls of your own in stunning hues of chocolate, pistachio, copper, and gold. Showroom visits are free of cost; snorkeling tours are a small additional charge.
Local Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday vendors gather at Savusavu’s open air market to sell local goods, from fresh fruit, spices, kava, and local honey to handicrafts, woodworks, and textiles. Just a short 10 minute drive away from Namale, it’s a worthwhile excursion to experience local life in Savusavu town. Purchase memorable souvenirs or learn about local exotic foods, from the fresh catch of the day to locally produced coconut oil. Namale’s chefs even make regular trips to the market to source the freshest ingredients for our kitchens!
Savusavu Town
Savusavu Town is a short 10 minute ride from Namale, and is a great day trip to work into your stay. In town you’ll experience local life personally, from perusing the shops full of souvenirs or handmade goods, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, and enjoying the stunning views of the bay and the Copra Shed Marina. Let Namale’s guides show you around, or grab a ride to main street and explore on your own. It’s a sleepy island life at its best, and the main town on Vanua Levu, “Fiji’s best kept secret.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Fiji Culture?
Fiji culture is a blend of traditions, languages, and arts shaped by the indigenous Fijian people and influenced by other cultures. It emphasizes community, respect for elders, and traditional ceremonies like dances and kava rituals. Celebrating and preserving Fijian culture is essential to the nation’s identity.
What Are Some Examples of Fijian Culture?
Traditional ceremonies such as mekes (dances) and yaqona (kava) rituals are excellent examples of Fijian history and culture. The rich local culture is also reflected in the intricate craftsmanship of woodcarving and pottery, traditional storytelling and oral traditions, and vibrant festivals celebrating cultural heritage and customs. Fijian cuisine, featuring dishes like kokoda (marinated fish salad) and lovo (earth oven-cooked meats and vegetables), represents the country’s diverse cultural influences.
What Are Three Cultural Facts About Fiji?
- Community-Centric Society: Fiji’s island culture strongly emphasizes community and communal living, with close-knit family ties and collective decision-making common across society.
- Rich Oral Traditions: Fijian culture has a rich heritage of storytelling and oral traditions, with myths, legends, and folktales passed down through generations as a means of preserving history and cultural values.
Traditional Ceremonies: Traditional ceremonies such as mekes (dances) and yaqona (kava) rituals are integral to Fijian culture, serving as important social and spiritual practices that strengthen community bonds and honor ancestral customs.
EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE & SPIRIT OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
Fiji has long been celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, from its sun-kissed beaches to its lush, green rainforest. But there’s far more to the Fiji Islands than what meets the eye. Look beyond the towering palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and authentic wood-and-straw huts, and you’ll begin to experience the true heart and soul of this tropical paradise.
Listen closely, and you might hear the powerful percussion streaming from a meke performance or the angelic hymns from the Sunday choir. Or, take a deep breath, and smell the rich scent of a lovo feast or the inviting smells of an Indo-Fijian curry dish. Whether you’re sipping Kava at a traditional ceremony or admiring precious local pearls, there are so many ways to appreciate and familiarize yourself with Fijian culture.
During your visit, you’ll soon realize Fiji is one of the happiest places in the world, which seems to make the Fijian people extremely friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. While you’re here, take special care to experience the rich Fiji culture on the island with weekly cultural entertainment and excursions, from attending a dinner show at Main Bure restaurant and exploring the local villages and towns to meeting locals in person and making new friends.
Craft your stay at Namale Resort & Spa to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Fiji. At our luxury boutique resort, we invite you to indulge in our local activities and attractions to learn more about our Fiji history and culture. Experience the meaning of the “bula spirit”—the Fijian way of life that celebrates life, happiness, and appreciation for all things.
KAVA DRINKING CEREMONIES
Kava is the national drink of Fiji, and the Kava Ceremony is an essential experience of Fiji island culture. Kava is made when the crushed root of the Yaqona plant (a relative of the pepper plant) is strained with water into a large communal bowl (a tanoa, or kava bowl). Served in a half coconut shell (“bilo” in Fijian), Kava is a mild sedative that helps you relax and sometimes gently numbs your lips and mouth. But, the most integral part of the Kava drinking ceremony is the communal aspect, as ceremonies often welcome visitors, mark important occasions, or celebrate friendship. These ceremonies symbolize respect, warmth, and hospitality, bringing locals and travelers together. Try a high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup), and be sure to clap once and say, “Bula!” before you drink, and then clap three times after.
FIJIAN MEKE PERFORMANCE
Meke performances play an important role in Fijian culture. They refer to a thrilling performance of traditional song and dance that tells the history, love stories, and legends of Fiji. It’s a wonderful way to experience the spirit of the islands while watching the vakatara (orchestra) and mantara (dancers) in full traditional dress perform rhythmic movements set to percussive drumming and clapping. Watch traditional Fijian warriors perform an exciting spear dance, followed by a graceful fan dance performed by the women of the village. Villagers of all ages, from babies to elders, take part in the special performance. After the completion of the meke, join the group for a taralala, a simple group dance full of energy and community among locals and guests alike.
TRADITIONAL VILLAGE TOUR
Venture outside of the resort to get a glimpse of daily life in a local Fijian village. Vivilli village is located right across the street from Namale, while Naidi village is a quick 5-minute drive in our air-conditioned transfer. A local village tour offers a truly unique way to experience traditional local life and Fiji culture. Upon arriving in a Fijian village, it is customary for someone from the group, along with our Namale tour guide, to present the village chief with an offering of kava root to show respect and thank them for allowing the group to visit. After the ceremony, enjoy a walking tour of the village, where you can explore community gathering places and local homes. Meet hordes of excited children eager to greet you, and peruse handmade goods crafted by the women villagers. During your tour, take time to learn about the ways of village life, from communal cooking to living without electricity, to get a true taste of Fiji island culture.
SUNDAY CHOIR
Every Sunday evening at our resort, the local church choir comes to serenade guests with beautiful songs during cocktail hour and dinner. Not only is it a wonderful experience to hear the local villagers sing these powerful choir songs, but it’s also a unique opportunity to embrace Fiji’s history, culture, and religion. Unwind with a delicious meal and cocktail while the enchanting sounds of the choir resonate through the air.
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday, vendors gather at Savusavu’s open-air market to sell local goods, from fresh fruit, spices, kava, and local honey to handicrafts, woodworks, and textiles. Just a short 10-minute drive from Namale, it’s a worthwhile excursion to experience the local way of life in Savusavu town. Purchase memorable souvenirs or learn about local exotic foods, from the fresh catch of the day to locally produced coconut oil. And you know it’s authentic because even Namale’s chefs make regular trips to the market to source the freshest ingredients for our kitchens!
SAVUSAVU TOWN
Another way to experience the true culture of Fiji is with a day trip to Savusavu Town, which is just a short 10-minute ride from our resort. In town, you’ll get a taste of the local scene as you spend your day perusing the shops full of souvenirs and handmade goods, grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, enjoying the stunning views of the Copra Shed Marina, and even using Fijian phrases to engage with the locals. Let Namale’s guides show you around, or grab a ride to the main street and explore on your own. As the main town on Vanua Levu, Savusavu is fondly referred to as “Fiji’s best-kept secret,” as it showcases sleepy island life at its finest.
