Tubou Village prepares for Tui Nayau's traditional homecoming celebration

Villagers of Tubou in Lakeba, Lau, are buzzing with anticipation as preparations begin for this week’s vakasenuqanuqa, celebrating the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Tevita Uuilakeba, earlier this year.

The “vakasenuqanuqa” is a traditional homecoming celebration held for a respected chief and their delegation, typically after a significant milestone or achievement that brings honour to the vanua.

Headman of Tubou Village, Temo Waqavonono, said both men and women in the village have been assigned various tasks as part of the preparations.

“Some of the village men have started cutting the grass around the village compound, while the women are gathering traditional gifts and items for the celebrations,” Mr Waqavonono said.

“We have already begun preparations, starting with the village clean-up, which took place yesterday. Today, we will start putting up the sheds for the celebrations, which will take place on Friday.”

Mr Waqavonono said representatives from Government agencies, including the Ministry of iTaukei, Lands and the Fiji Police Force, have also arrived in Tubou Village to be part of the celebrations this week.