This Fire Dance Performance mesmerized me with an electrifying display of skill and bravery. These Fijian fire dancers, known as fire walkers, will delight you with the intricate dances with flames, showing their deep connection to their culture and traditions. Fire dancing is a historic art form that originated in Polynesia hundreds of years ago. The oldest known practice of fire performance is Samoa’s Siva Afi.
This spectacular event combines acrobatics, dancing, firewalking, dancing, and singing. The performers are athletic men in colorful traditional costumes. Fire dancing routines often include twirling, spinning, and flying through the air. Sometimes choreography includes licking flames, and ‘breathing’ fire.
For the full fire dance experience watch the video footage here.
While visiting the Fijian Culture Village I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the three main Fijian ceremonies which are the Lovo, the Meke, and the Yaqona (Kava).
Kava is the national drink of Fiji, made from the pulverized root of a pepper shrub. Kava is traditionally served as part of a ceremony, most commonly when welcoming guests into a local village. During the ceremony, I sat in a circle around the communal kava bowl, which was placed in front of the village chief. After the kava plant had been crushed and ready for drinking, the chief drank the first cup before anyone else was invited to taste it.
Fijian identity has evolved and was influenced by Melanesian, Polynesian, European, and Indian cultures. Huge importance is placed on family and community values. Fijians are exceedingly warm and friendly, and love to express their passion for life with the enthusiastic and ubiquitous shout – Bula!
Frog on the border 