5 Things You Should Know About Fiji – History & Culture – SPRING BREAK™ Experience FIJI
Before you travel with us to SPRING BREAK™ Experience FIJI you should know a little bit about the history and culture of this awesome place.
This is true of any place you chose to roam, you can learn a lot on the road but SPRING BREAK™ Experience FIJI is just a week long, we know you’re gonna be focusing on the party rather than brushing up on your fun facts.
We believe the best way to learn about a place is just to go there! But if you wanted to know a little more about Fiji before you set foot on its sandy shores here are 5 things that you should know about this wonderful country.
1. Family is Everything!
The sense of community and family pride in Fiji is very strong. It is true when they say it takes a village to raise a child or build a home.
Unlike here in New Zealand the older generations are not shipped off to care homes but often move in with their adult children and care for the home and the grandkids. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
This is not something that is Fiji specific, this communal way of living can be observed in almost all countries in the Pacific.
2. Tradition is Strong
This ties in with the strong sense of community, tradition is adhered to (almost) religiously in Fiji. Despite the Island’s turbulent history, many customs have stood the test of time.
The Kava Ceremony that you’re invited to at SPRING BREAK™ Experience FIJII is no gimmick, it’s not for show. This is a tradition that is still practised across Fiji today.
3. Untouched Beauty
Despite the impact of the British colony and the subsequent influx of Indian nationals, followed by a massive touristic boom Fiji remains untouched and unfazed by it all.
There are nearly half a million tourists who visit Fiji each year, but with over 300 islands to be spread across it never feels that overcrowded.
4. Cultural Melting Pot
Since the 1800s Indians have been migrating to Fiji to work on the plantations, as a result of this the islands have become something of a cultural melting pot. At one point, there were more Indians in Fiji than Fijians!
Now, as an estimate, the Fijian population is made up of 56% native Fijians and 38% people of Indian descent.
5. Rugby is Religion
You think rugby is a religion here at home, the Fijians actually give us a run for our money on this one (if not on the pitch!). It is said that Fiji has the highest player-population in the world! We ain’t gonna argue with that on!
Us Kiwis perform the Haka before our games, as you know; the Fijian tribal warrior dance is called the Cibi (thimbi).
So know you’re a little more informed about this vibrant and welcoming nation! The next thing to do is brush up on your language skills, here are the top 10 words and phrases you need to know in Fijian before you join us on SPRING BREAK™ Experience FIJI!