Contestants from the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) visited Sabeto Village on Monday as part of their cultural immersion program for this year’s pageant activities in Fiji. Participants from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga received a warm welcome from the village elders of the Vanua o Betoraurau, led by na Momo Levu na Tui Sabeto.
This visit marked the beginning of a morning focused on exploring local customs and understanding the cultural significance of Sabeto. During their time in the village, contestants engaged in storytelling sessions and participated in various traditional practices that are integral to daily life in Sabeto.
Elders provided insights into the history of the village, its kinship structures, and the values that govern community living. This engagement is a vital aspect of the pageant’s commitment to fostering Pacific identity and cultural awareness, allowing contestants to grasp the rich traditions and communal principles of Fiji.
Several contestants expressed their observation of striking similarities between Fijian customs and those from their own countries, highlighting the visit as a valuable opportunity to enhance regional understanding and connection. Community members, including women’s groups and youth, actively engaged with the contestants, sharing their knowledge and addressing inquiries about daily life and cultural duties.
The cultural immersion program will continue throughout the week, with contestants set to partake in community activities, public events, and additional cultural briefings as they prepare for the main pageant events. This initiative not only empowers the participants but also strengthens ties between Pacific nations, promoting unity and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages.
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