Fijian History

The first inhabitants of Fiji came from Melanesia, some 3500 years ago, and established a hierarchical society based on clans. Little is known of the islander's history before the arrival of Europeans, an assortment of roving traders, missionaries and shipwrecked sailors in the mid-17th century.

Ancient Fijians are well documented as being cannibals, engaging in gruesome localised warfare and believing in an animated spirit world. They lived in small fortified villages and formed clans with neighbouring villages. However, they are less credited for being excellent sailors and navigators of the vast South Pacific Ocean and fine craftsmen and pottery makers.

The European discoveries of the Fiji group were accidental. The first of these discoveries was made in 1643 by the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman and English navigators; including Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774.The first Europeans to land and live among the Fijians were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from the Australian penal settlements.

Fiji is now home to many other races, (Indians, Part Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific islanders) living in harmony, and keeping their own cultures and identity. Fijians, slightly over 50 per cent of the total population, are essentially members of communities.

The Indians have also regarded Fiji as their home. Most of them are descendants of labourers brought to the country from India to work in the sugar plantations about 100 years ago. Although they were offered passages back in to India after their term, most stayed. And through the years they have continued to work the land, becoming prominent in agriculture and also commerce. However, Indians living in the rural areas have adapted well, some even speaking the local dialect and mixing well with the Fijians. As a country, Fiji is rural based with about 60 per cent of the population living in the rural areas.

Famous landmarks

The Fiji Museum, located in Thurston Gardens, was founded in 1904 and originally occupied the old town hall, but moved to its present location in 1954. The museum houses the most extensive collection of Fijian artifacts in the world, and is also a research and educational institution, specializing in archeology, the preservation of Fiji's oral tradition, and the publication of material on Fiji's language and culture

Suva also has many shopping and retail areas, specifically Cumming street, which has since colonial times, been a vibrant and colorful shopping area. Features of these streets include the original colonial buildings and narrow roads. More modern shopping malls have a more sophisticated look.

Fijian Culture

The Fijian people are some of the friendliest people in the entire world. By respecting the ceremonies and beliefs of these people it makes you an honoured guest in the many villages in rural Fiji, and can also add a whole new dimension to the holiday on these magnificant islands.