Rotuma Day celebration is more than just remembrance but showcasing significance of culture – Faktaufon

The celebration of Rotuma day is not only about the remembrance of when Rotuma was ceded to Great Britain but also a day where we come together to showcase our culture and also teach the younger generations about the importance of their culture.

This was highlighted by the leader of the Motusa group and Ituitu district representative Varamasi Faktaufon, during the Rotuma Day celebration held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva today.

Faktaufon says there was a slight change to this year's event as they celebrated the event for one whole week and they get to have different districts around Suva coming together to showcase their talents as well.

He says this does not only include the dances and performances, but also the showcasing of handicraft skills.

Losa group leader and also Ituitu district representative Wilfer Rigamoto says they are happy to see that the young children are also performing on stage as it has always been the older ones that perform every year.

Rigamoto says this is a great sight to see as these younger generations are being taught the significance of their culture.

She says they don't usually have young children performing in front of their chiefs but it is all up to the elders on how they teach the young ones early.

She adds the inclusion of young children in performances this year is a reward for the kind of work that they do as an organization, especially involving youths and young children with the preservation of their culture.

There are a total of 6 districts that gathered at the Rotuma Day celebration today as they close off the Rotuman language week with performances and showcasing of talents.