Significant cultural events were celebrated over the weekend in Suva, Fiji, as the National Day of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival were commemorated. The festivities were presided over by Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and attended by China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian, along with government ministers, leaders from the Chinese community, families, and friends.
The celebrations, organized by the Fiji Chinese Association, included traditional feasting and cultural performances. In his address, Ratu Wiliame highlighted the importance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, often referred to as the Moon Festival, emphasizing its rich cultural significance for the Chinese community both locally and internationally.
Ambassador Zhou noted that the 15th day of the 8th lunar month is a time for families to come together and celebrate, as it is when the moon is at its brightest. Families traditionally gather to enjoy moon cakes on this day.
Jenny Seeto, the President of the Chinese Association of Fiji, spoke about the significance of China’s National Day, acknowledging that while the actual celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China falls on October 1, it has become a tradition for the Fiji Chinese community to celebrate it alongside the Mid-Autumn Festival due to the proximity of the dates.
Seeto expressed pride in the enduring relationship between Fiji and China, citing the successful recent visit of Fiji’s Prime Minister to China. She reflected on China’s remarkable transformation over the years, noting the impressive developments in both urban and rural areas since her visit to the country four decades ago.
Both Ratu Wiliame and Seeto recognized the valuable contributions of the Chinese community to Fiji’s development and the strong bilateral ties between Fiji and China.