As the country gears up to celebrate Fiji Day tomorrow, Namaka Market was filled with colour, music, and community spirit this week as vendors came together to mark 55 years of independence with a heartfelt show of unity.
The usually busy market took on a festive atmosphere as vendors wore blue and paused their daily trade to take part in the celebration.
President of the Namaka Market Vendors Association, Mariana Divikoca says the market is home to people from different races, religions, and backgrounds, but that doesn’t stop them from celebrating together.
She says each vendor brought something to share, which gives everyone a sense of belonging and reminds them that Fiji is our shared home.
The 55-year-old says being a market vendor is not easy, and for some families, it’s their only means of survival, but Fiji Day reminds them to be grateful for what they have and to celebrate together as one people.
Though earning a living is not easy, the celebration gave people a chance to stop for a while and celebrate what independence means.
