Fiji's Fearless Firewalkers

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Fiji's Fearless Firewalkers
Fiji's Fearless Firewalkers

A Dance with Flames

The rocky island that dominates the horizon off Pacific Harbour in southern Viti Levu isn’t only famous for its diving and deep sea fishing. It’s also the home of Fiji’s legendary firewalkers; a tiny band of islanders bestowed with a special gift that seemingly protects them from fire.

Firewalking Locations

The Legend

Fijians didn’t always walk on fire. That tradition began around 500 years ago, in the small highland village of Nakarovu on Beqa Island.
 

Legend has it that Tuinaiviqalita, a young man seeking favour with a village elder, went in search of an eel to present as a gift. Digging into a small hole near a creek, he grappled and grabbed at a slippery eel, until at last he pulled it writhing, from its muddy hole. When the creature cried out, Tuinaiviqalita realised that instead of an eel, he’d captured one of Fiji’s elusive little people; a spirit god known locally as ‘veli’.
 

The ‘veli’ begged Tuinaiviqalita for its freedom, promising him all kinds of rewards which he refused. At last, when the veli offered him and his descendants power over fire, Tuinaiviqalita was intrigued. Sensing this, the veli dug a pit, lined it with river stones and set them ablaze in a fire until they turned white with heat. Then, leaping across the smouldering stones, the 'veli' beckoned Tuinaiviqalita to follow him. With much scepticism, Tuinaiviqalita stepped into the fiery pit but didn’t get burned. He knew then that the veli had been faithful to it’s promise, so he let it go.
 

To this day, power over fire only flows through Tuinaiviqalita’s bloodline to members of Beqa’s Sawau tribe. They demonstrate this extraordinary gift in a firewalking ceremony.
 

The Firewalking Ceremony

Firewalking is serious business and preparations begin many days beforehand. To discipline their mind, body and spirit, the men follow strict protocols like abstaining from things like coconuts or sex. Ignoring these could cause the spirits displeasure and result in severe burns.
 

Several hours before the ceremony begins, the performers build a pit (12-15ft diameter and 3-4ft deep) and fill it with massive river stones. A large bonfire is piled above the pit to heat the stones until they are white hot. When the fire dies down, a few chosen men stab at the stones with long poles to stabilise them. Finally leaves are placed across the pit to bless it before the excess ash and charcoal is removed.
 

At the signal of the ceremonial priest – usually a direct descendant – a troupe of firewalkers enter the arena chanting and step gingerly across the heated stones one by one.
 

When each man has conquered the fiery pit, they end the ceremony with more chanting and the sacrifice of their fern anklets to the pit. Days later, the anklets are recovered, ground and mixed into a tonic that is consumed by the firewalkers to complete the ritual.
 

Where To See The Fire Walking Ceremony 

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Although Beqa is the ideal place to view this ceremony in its most authentic form, you can also see it being performed on Viti Levu. Some descendants of Tuinavilaqata perform this feat at major hotels in Pacific Harbour, the Coral Coast and on Denarau Island as part of the resort’s entertainment program. Check with these resorts about when to see the infamous firewalkers.

  • Beqa: 
    • Beqa Lagoon Resort
  • Pacific Harbour:   
    • The Arts Village
    • The Pearl Resort & Spa
  • Coral Coast:  
    • The Outrigger Resort & Spa
    • The Warwick Resort
    • Shangri -La’s Fijian Resort

Beqa Lagoon Resort

Beqa Lagoon Resort

Beqa Lagoon Resort is the leading dive resort in Fiji that offers a wide array of adventures and cultural activities

Beqa Lagoon Resort welcomes you to our secluded island paradise —dive into the exciting depths of its blue lagoon with pristine reefs & famous shark encounters. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, hiking or surf the Fijian Pipeline. Feel the warmth of Beqa while lounging poolside with a refreshing tropical beverage or unwind with a soothing massage at our exotic Lali Spa. Luxuriate in the privacy of your deluxe air-conditioned villa –beachfront villas include private sundeck with plunge pool. Experience gourmet dining in the main open-air bure & authentic cultural entertainment.
Learn more about the Beqa Lagoon Resort

The Pearl Resort, Spa & Golf Course

The Pearl Resort, Spa & Golf Course

The Pearl Resort - in the heart of Fiji's Adventure Capital

Set on one of Fiji's longest sandy beaches and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, The Pearl Resort is an idyllic escape in the heart of ‘Fiji’s Adventure Capital’ of Pacific Harbour on Fiji’s largest island of Viti Levu.
Learn more about The Pearl Resort & Spa

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

A 5-star Resort, reminiscent of a Fijian Village

We pamper you with signature Talai butlers, traditional bure bungalows, and Meimei nannies. We inspire you with sweeping views from hilltop Bebe Spa Fiji. And we delight your entire family with children and teen activities, a magnificent tropical pool, and our Kids Eat Free special.
Learn more about The Outrigger Resort & Spa

Warwick Fiji

Warwick Fiji

Perfectly positioned amidst sensational sandy beaches

Boasting a total of 248 carefully decorated rooms and deluxe suites, The Warwick Fiji strives to offer every discerning traveler with the opportunity to fully enjoy a tropical and culturally rewarding Fijian holiday experience.
Learn more about Warwick Resort Fiji

Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji

Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji

Exclusively located on private Yanuca Island

Overlooking the idyllic Coral Coast, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji offers an authentic and private Fiji island experience.
Learn more about Shangri-La

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