Burnaby may not be the tropical paradise her father remembers, but for one day each year Vincent Prakash and his daughter, Regina, transform Swangard Stadium into a hub of Fijian culture, bringing together people from all over the Lower Mainland to celebrate the Pacific island's unique traditions.
This year's festival marks the 14th annual Fijian celebration, which began in 1999 as a small neighbourhood festival held at Surrey's Bear Creek Park. Since then, the event has grown into an event that attracts more than 5,000 people each year to its current location at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium.
Regina Prakash, whose father, Vincent, founded the event, said the festival is all about showcasing the unique and colourful culture of Fiji.
"It is a day where everyone gets together enjoying the cultural dances and entertainment. The festival begins with a yagona ceremony, which includes various dignitaries," she said.
The yagona ceremony - a traditional Fijian ceremony where dignitaries are asked to drink a special Kava drink - is central to the festival, she added, as it marks the opening of the festivities.
From that point on, it's all fun and games. From a kids zone with games and activities, to a soccer tournament for the adults, and traditional Fijian foods available for purchase, the event really is for anyone, Prakash said.
There will also be vendors set up behind the stands at the stadium, selling items and clothing throughout the event.
On top of the numerous vendors who will fill Swangard Stadium, there will also be performances by local dancers, featuring traditional Polynesian and South Asian routines.
Fiji, a country made up of more than 300 islands in the Pacific Ocean, has a diverse
population including South Asians, who emigrated from neighbouring India, native Polynesians and European descendents.
Prakash, whose family is of Indian descent, said that the majority of Fijians who've immigrated to B.C. have settled in Surrey, while the rest are spread out across Burnaby and Vancouver.
The festival is on July 27 at Swangard Stadium, at Boundary Road and Kingsway Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more, visit www.jaifijitv.com/services.
