Etiquette

Fijian culture is vibrant and friendly, and you can expect a warm welcome at any of the villages you visit. It’s important to be respectful at all times when visiting a Fijian village. 

Fijian villages are generally not open to the public and visits are by organised tours. When visiting a village it’s customary to bring a gift of yaqona (kava) with you. This is for your sevusevu ceremony during which guests request permission from the turaga-ni-koro (village chief) to visit the village. Therefore, when visiting a Fijian village, the visiting party’s spokesman will have to present their i-sevusevu to the village chief to communicate the purpose of their visit and to seek the necessary permission to carry out their activities. The visiting party’s spokesman is responsible for all formal communications between them and the village chief. 

A Yaqona or Kava ceremony involves certain protocols that include seating arrangements and roles during the ceremony. As a visitor, you must sit at the designated spot provided by your village host. Everyone sits on the floor, as it is considered disrespectful to sit on a chair. Exceptions can be made if the individual has mobility issues and can be seated at a distance away from the crowd.

1. When drinking yaqona, you must clap once before receiving the yaqona bilo (bowl) and prior to drinking must greet the villagers and their chief. Consume the yaqona in one gulp. After drinking, return the bilo (bowl) to the bearer and clap three times.
2. It’s polite to ask permission if you’d like to take photos of the kava ceremony or people.
3. Remember to dress conservatively when you visit a local village. Ladies should wear a sulu (sarong) over their shorts or trousers.
4. Don’t wear anything on your head, including caps/hats/sunglasses.
5. In Fiji, Sunday is a special day for families. Fijian usually reserve this day to relax and spend time with loved ones. Don’t be surprised that most establishments and traditional villages are closed on Sundays. Thus, make the most out of your Sunday roaming around town instead.
6. If you are visiting a Fijian household, observe proper etiquette. Before you enter, leave your shoes outside and wait for your host to let you in. Slightly crouch when passing by the door as a show of respect.
7. It is customary to sit on the floor.
8. Keep the tone of your voice moderate (avoid yelling or acting overly excited).
9. When visiting a village, and if you’re offered food, you’ll need to wait for the food to be blessed before digging in. After everyone has gathered around the table, the head of the house will say masu (grace) for the meal. After the blessing, you can start your meal. 
10. Fijians consider the head the most sacred part of the human body. That’s why touching someone’s head, even the heads of young kids, is a gesture you should avoid when in Fiji. Instead of patting someone’s head, you can ask for a high-five or hug.
11. Don’t place your hands on your hips.