Fiji Bids to Host Pacific Arts and Culture Festival in 2032

Fiji has submitted its bid to host the Pacific Arts and Culture Festival in 2032 marking the festival’s 60th anniversary.

Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu submitted the bid during the Traditional Leaders Meeting in ‘Aha ‘Awa (Lolani Palace), Hawaii on Sunday.

The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is in Honolulu from June 6-16.

It is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific islanders, bringing together artists, cultural practitioners, scholars, and officials from member nations of the Pacific.

This festival is held every four years in a selected Pacific nation and was first launched by the South Pacific Commission in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange.

Mr Vasu led the 100-member Fiji delegation to Hawaii including Ratu Epenisa Cakobau.

Mr Vasu said the bid was grounded in Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision of the Pacific Ocean as a zone of peace.

The first Festival of Pacific Arts was held in Suva in May, 1972 under the theme ‘Preserving Culture.’

“FESTPAC is the Pacific Leaders’ vision and our late Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, played a pivotal role in Fiji hosting the first FESTPAC in 1972,” Mr Vasu said.

“I am grateful that through the leadership of our current Prime Minister, Fiji could host it in 2032 marking a significant milestone for the regional event.”

Fiji’s artisans, musicians, dancers, literary and performing artists will showcase their talents at FESTPAC.

Accompanying Mr Vasu to the meeting is his Permanent Secretary Pita Tagicakirewa.

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