Wednesday, February 21, 2024
The land of Fiji materialises in the city of Melbourne to join AIME 2024, described as the “happiest place in the world” by their business team.
“Other countries have sandy beaches, for us the people make Fiji unique” said travel industry leader.
She provides as one of many voices for their country, coaxing attendees to taste Yaqona (young-gore-na) upon arriving at their stall.
The drink is created from the roots of the pepper plant family, which is then dried and pounded into powder, before being strained with water, similar to a tea.
Natawake explains it is a social drink among Fijians, and it initially existed as a ceremonial tradition.
Natawake speaks on the importance of AIME and the assemblance of cultures. “We pride ourselves on people and sharing cultures”. And their stall has brought much of their nation down to Australia.
Two young dancers, Neori Raduso and Sekove Waqa, are experiencing their first time on Australian soil.
Their dance group Vou Dance Company were invited by the Australian and Fiji association to perform for the multi-cultural festival in Canberra over three days, putting together traditional Fijian performances.
Dressed in a traditional Vau skirt and wild pig’s tooth jewellery around his neck, Raduso displays his Fijian culture and stories across Australia.
“The skirt is from the bark of a tree, where we shred and soak it for a few days and then it becomes a Vau skirt” Raduso explains. He points to the tooth, “it is only worn by warriors from their first hunt of the year when they’re ready for manhood”.
This slice of Fiji will be here until the third and final day of AIME. And they hope to spark the interest of individuals keen for adventure and a taste of “the happiest place in the world”.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
