Community
16 October, 2024
Fiji Day in Mount Isa celebrates country's independence
There was a good gathering at the Mount Isa rugby grounds on Saturday.
The Mount Isa Fijian community has gathered to celebrate Fiji Day – which marks the cessation of the pacific nation from the United Kingdom in 1874 and the country’s full independence in 1970.
There are more than 300 Fijians who live in Mount Isa that generally gather along Christian denominational lines, notably Catholic, Methodist and Assembly of God.
However, Fijian community member Sisa Meo said the national Fiji Day celebrations was an opportunity for the entire community to meet up and highlight their cultural traditions.
Mr Meo was among those who gathered on Saturday at the Mount Isa oval along Alma Street.
He said passing down these traditions to the younger generations was the major focus of celebrations this year.
Mr Meo said young people would assist in the traditional kava drinking ceremony, perform traditional meke songs and dances and participate in popular games, such as pani, where two teams use a rubber ball to try to knock down the stack of cans protected by the other side.
“We always try to make it a fun day out for the families,” Mr Meo told North West Weekly.
“But we also want the children to understand their culture and their traditions – where they come from.”