Fiji Week is a week of festivities culminating in Fiji Day on 10 October (the anniversary of
Fiji's independence from
British
British may refer to:
Peoples, culture, and language
* British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies.
** Britishness, the British identity and common culture
* British English, ...
colonial rule
Colonialism is a practice or policy of control by one people or power over other people or areas, often by establishing colony, colonies and generally with the aim of economic dominance. In the process of colonisation, colonisers may impose the ...
in 1970) annually. A different theme is chosen every year, but common elements include religious ceremonies and cultural performances.
The preceding week to Fiji Day is called Fiji Week. Fiji Day is October 10 and that is a double anniversary for the nation. On that date in 1874,
King
King is the title given to a male monarch in a variety of contexts. The female equivalent is queen, which title is also given to the consort of a king.
*In the context of prehistory, antiquity and contemporary indigenous peoples, the tit ...
Seru Epenisa Cakobau ceded Fiji to the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
. On the same date in 1970, Fiji regained its independence.
During Fiji Week, the nation celebrates its unity and religious and cultural diversity with performances and programs each day focused on the two main ethnic cultures — Fijan and Indian. The Christian, Muslim, and Hindu religions celebrate their traditions. A different theme is chosen every year, but common elements include religious ceremonies and cultural performances.
In
Fiji Week, 2004, the festivities were undermined by a boycott by several prominent politicians and other public figures, who accused the government of using the occasion to promote a political agenda.
See also
*
Fiji Week, 2004
*
Fiji Week, 2005
October observances
Public holidays in Fiji
Independence days
{{Fiji-stub