Fiji Day in Melbourne

from w
Yesterday was Fiji Day celebration in Melbourne at a rugby ground so despite the dark clouds in the sky we did have good weather and it was a nice time for greeting old friends, some going back twenty years or more! From various tents came the aroma of lovo food, roti and curry, vakalolo and other delicacies. Young men played sevens rugby and kids jumped on a castle of some sort. The main event was of course the traditional welcome to Ro Teimumu from Fiji, an intelligent and compassionate lady of high rank. The presentation of tabua, yaqona, magiti yards of colourful cloth and formal speeches were done very well and our guest's speech was in both Fijian and English and full of wisdom. Our Geelong Fiji group hired a minibus to go up to Melbourne for the day and it was really worthwhile as we remember Fiji today with all the difficulties for our friends over there. I took a few photos of the formal part of the day including one dance.