Culture of Fiji

The island state of Fiji is inhabited by indigenous Fijians and other minorities like the Indo-Fijians and other smaller groups. The influence of so many diverse groups of people has contributed in making Fiji society a truly multi ethnic one. The inputs that all these diverse group of people brought along are the main basis of the culture of Fiji. The religion in Fiji is also diverse and every religious group gets equal opportunity to profess theirs. Armed with Fiji travel guide, you can roam around this island nation hassle free.

Language is the main determinant of any country's culture. Fijian, according to the Constitution of 1997, is the official language of this tiny island nation. According to an estimate, almost 350,000 people all over Fiji speak this language. This language is officially recognized as the first language of the Vanua Levu Island. Two other languages namely English and Hindusthani too are other official languages in Fiji. These languages have contributed significantly in making up the culture of Fiji.

Music is an integral part of the culture of Fiji. The instruments used in Fijian music are guitar, ukulele and mandolin. The indigenous musical instruments like Lali drums are used mainly to call people to assemble at a certain venue. In the ancient days when no other kind of communication mediums was available, the drum beats used to announce births, deaths and wars. The Fijian islanders have now embraced modern western dance forms. However in the interior of some sparsely populated islands, Meke dance is practiced. Considered to be an ancient dance form, it is said that the dancers become possessed by spirits as the Lali drums start beating aloud. Indian music, mostly classical forms such as Bhajans and Qawwali, can be easily listened on main islands. Music and dance in Fiji attracts tourists from all over the world.

The Fijians consider their national costume a representative of the culture of Fiji. The national costume of Fiji in the earlier times used to be loin cloths for men and grass skirts for women. The skirt lengths would determine the status of a woman. A single woman used to wear short skirts but long skirts had to be worn by the married women. The national dress of the Fijians now is Sulu. Resembling a skirt, both genders wear it. Women during special occasions wear multi layered Tapa cloth. Arts and Crafts in Fiji are another attraction for the tourists which also portray the rich culture of the Fijians. Except the capital Suva, other cities do not have modern high rise buildings. Suva Central in Suva is one example of the architecture of Fiji.