Fijian Meke

Meke, more like it

When visiting Fiji one of the main reasons to visit will of course be the island traditions, one of which is as traditional as they come. It’s called the Meke. The Meke is a Fijian dance performed by either men only, or women only. The ceremonial dance that is accompanied by songs and chants and is meant to tell stories of tales past, through the battles warriors have been through as well as pass on customs and culture.

When we went to Fiji as tourists we had no intention on partaking in any traditional festivities, as a Fijian born family excluding myself, we were already accustomed to many of the Fijian traditions. Though, during our stay at the Denaru Hotels, it was hard not to miss or to even give up the opportunity of watching such an enthusiastic form of dance. As we sat by the hotel fields, Men dressed in traditional straw made skirts and women with fans woven with palm tree leaves not only entertained us the audience, but included us in what would normally only be done during traditional ceremonial events. It was an invigorating performance, one that must be seen by everyone and might even get you up on your feet!