Every year on the beginning of October Fiji celebrates its independence day. Fiji got its independent from Britain in 1970. The celebrations that last for a week focus on Melanesian Cultural Festival and present various traditional cultures of the area.
The festival entertains local music and dancing bands. Bands from the neighbor countries: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu as well as some groups from New Caledonia also participate in the festival. Lots of tourists participate in the joy of the Fiji week.Fiji Week
Fiji sea view
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Country Information
Fiji background and overview
Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji, led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.
[Courtesy of The World Factbook]
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