Lautoka in Fiji can easily be called the Sweetest City along with its original name of Sugar City because not only does it lie in the epicenter of the sugar cane growing region, it celebrates with much gusto the “Sugar Festival”.Every year in September the citizens of Lautoka, no matter what race or religion, gather and celebrate their greatest export harvest of sugarcane.Do not miss your chance to become a part of the sweetest festival ever and book your flights to Fiji, Laotoka now!
The entire city is lit up from top to bottom and decorations of sugarcane can be seen everywhere. Since Fiji is a cultural hub with people from many different backgrounds including India, Solomon Islanders, Europeans and British from the colonization era, hence the religions also vary from traditional Fijian religions to Christians, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Anglicans, etc. But on the time of the festival they all come together as one and celebrate peace and harmony.
The celebrations include many traditional aspects such as brass bands and large sized vehicle floats adorned with sugarcane and depicting scenes from the harvest and celebrating culture parade through the city. Most of the events take place at Churchill Park including art shows and sugarcane shaped fireworks. Many different stalls open up all over the city serving tasty treats made from sugarcane and refreshing sugarcane juice. These treats and juices are completely unique as each year the stall operators keep introducing fascinating new combinations and flavors which can actually make deciding on your personal favorite a very difficult task.
Free tours are provided of the largest sugar mill called Lautoka Sugar Mill along with short videos documentary screenings showing the construction process which took nearly four years. This mill is historic as construction was during 1899-1903 and the laborers mostly consisted of Indians and Solomon Islanders all because of the British Colonial Sugar Refining Company.
Most of the revenues generated from this festival are for charity purposes therefore each year people spend more and more to make this festival the best ever. It is therefore it is no surprise to find celebrities endorsing this festival. The biggest fans are however the children as not only do they get the opportunity to gorge down on sugary treats, carnival rides and other amazing forms of entertainment is available for them all over the city. From free puppet shows to educational plays that depict the history of Fiji islanders and sugarcane.
Another main attraction of the sugar festival is the annual Sugar Festival’s beauty pageant. Each year 15 beautiful young women compete for the ‘Miss Sugar Crown’. They are required to have in-depth knowledge about their country, history, sugarcane processing etc. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Sugar Festival and the largest donation to charity was provided by the beauty pageant.The Sugar festival is one experience that offers some kind of entertainment for people of all ages. So get ready to savor your sweet tooth… and be sure to brush afterwards too or the dentist won’t be too happy!
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