Christmas is an important and joyous occasion in Fiji, where families and friends come together to celebrate and exchange gifts. The festivities start weeks before Christmas Day, with homes and businesses decorated with colourful lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Artificial or natural Christmas trees are adorned with decorations and lights, and families often gather together to decorate their homes. Traditional Fijian cloth called ‘masi’ is also used as a decoration during the Christmas season, featuring Christmas motifs like the Nativity scene or Santa Claus.
Christmas Preparations in Fiji
Apart from decorating, Fijians also prepare for Christmas by attending church services and community events. Churches hold special services, carol services, nativity plays, and choir performances, which are popular among locals and tourists alike. The lead-up to Christmas in Fiji is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, with a festive atmosphere that can be felt across the country.
Christmas Eve in Fiji
In Fiji, Christmas Eve is a time when families and friends gather to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. This day is an essential part of the Christmas celebration in Fiji. Fijians usually organize a big feast that typically includes roasted meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice. Desserts such as fruitcake and cassava cake are also common. After the meal, families may attend church services, participate in carolling, or gather together to exchange gifts. It is also a common practice to stay up late into the night, playing games, singing songs, and enjoying each other’s company during this festive season.
Christmas Day in Fiji
Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated in Fiji with great enthusiasm. The island nation has its unique way of celebrating the festival, which is quite different from western customs. The celebration typically lasts for a week or more, starting several weeks before Christmas Day.
Preparations for the festival in Fiji begin with decorating homes and businesses with colourful lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Christmas trees, either artificial or natural, are adorned with decorations and lights, and families gather together to decorate their homes. Fijians also use traditional decorations like ‘masi,’ a cloth made from bark that is decorated with Christmas motifs and used as a tablecloth or wall hanging.
Families prepare for Christmas by attending church services and participating in community events. Many churches hold special services and events leading up to Christmas, such as carol services, nativity plays, and choir performances.
On Christmas Eve, Fijians gather for a big feast that typically includes roasted meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice. Desserts such as fruitcake and cassava cake are also common. After the meal, families attend church services, participate in carolling, or gather together to exchange gifts. It is also a common practice to stay up late into the night, playing games, singing songs, and enjoying each other’s company.
On Christmas Day, Fijians enjoy a big breakfast that may include traditional Fijian dishes like kokoda, made from raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and coconut cream. Families spend time together, go to church services, or participate in outdoor activities like swimming or hiking. For lunch and dinner, families enjoy a big feast, which may include roasted meats, seafood, vegetables, and traditional Fijian dishes like lovo, cooked in an underground oven.
In Fiji, Christmas is a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. It is a unique and memorable way to experience the holiday season in a tropical paradise.
Christmas Festivities in Fiji
If you’re looking for an extra dose of holiday cheer during your stay in Fiji, there are plenty of festivities and events to enjoy. One of the most anticipated events is the Hibiscus Festival, held in Suva, the capital of Fiji. This lively festival offers an array of music, dance, food, and craft stalls, and is an excellent way to experience the festive spirit of Christmas in Fiji.
For those visiting the west coast of the main island, Nadi hosts the popular Christmas Light-Up event. During this celebration, the streets of Nadi light up with vibrant lights and decorations, and there are various activities and entertainment options for people of all ages. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the unique traditions and celebrations of Fiji.
Volunteer in Fiji at Christmas
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your Christmas holiday, consider volunteering in Fiji with GVI. GVI offers sustainable development initiatives that allow participants to immerse themselves in the Fijian culture and contribute to local communities. Volunteering during the holiday season allows participants to experience local Christmas traditions, such as attending church services, participating in Christmas feasts, and enjoying festive celebrations. GVI’s volunteer programs in Fiji are a meaningful way to make a positive impact while creating lasting memories. Experience the warm hospitality and festive spirit of Fiji during the holiday season by volunteering with GVI.
