Camakau Race strengthens community ties and honours traditional customs

The Camakau Race remains a significant cultural event for the people of Fulaga, strengthening community ties and honouring traditional customs.

The Camakau Race was held once again in Muanaicake and Muanaira, drawing skilled sailors from across the region.

Adoni Cakacaka of Naividamu, who also won the last race in 2011, claimed first place.

Reflecting on his victory, Cakacaka says he was grateful to compete in familiar waters and was confident navigating the local winds and directions.

Kaveri Tikosaya of Muanaicake who secured second place says that sailing the Camakau is not easy and it is a tradition passed down from their forefathers.

He also acknowledges everyone supporting the Camakau revival, and their goal is to pass this knowledge to future generations so the tradition lives on.

Tui Muanaira, Jimione Turagabeci, welcomed the guests and extended New Year greetings to all present.

Turagabeci expressed his gratitude to the government for allowing its representatives, including officials from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the Ministry of Information, to attend and witness the event.

He also acknowledged those who travelled to participate and show their support, particularly acknowledging the villages of Muanavanua and Nakorolevu.

In his address, Turagabeci paid his respects to the Turaga na Tui Vulaga and acknowledged the presence of the Turaga Vaka and Turaga na Tui Naro, highlighting the importance of traditional leadership in community events.

Turagabeci says that the event was carefully planned, with organiser Laisenia Seru approaching them at the beginning of last year and the proposal was presented at district and Vanua meetings.

He says the Vanuasau approved the plans, allowing the celebrations to take place..