Once every man has crossed, a bundle of grass is placed in the centre of the pit and the men huddle together while chanting a song. The men then start their journey across the smoldering stones. Leaves and vines are grazed across the stones to prepare the pit. When it’s time for the performance, the firewalkers are led to the arena accompanied by dances and chants. Eight hours before the ceremony, a log fire is built over the top of the stones, heating them up. Large river stones are collected and placed in the pit, filling it up. The fire pit where these men will walk is dug out, being 12-15 feet in diameter and 3-4 feet deep. If they fail to do this, legend states that they will be punished with severe burns. Men are chosen as representatives for different villages, and 10 days prior to a celebration, they must segregate themselves from females and stay away from eating coconut. While this special celebration is a way of life for many generations living in Fiji, firewalking takes a great deal of preparation. Part of Fiji’s charm is its close connections to community, tradition and symbolism, and this legendary celebration is a must-see. The descendants of Tui Naiviqalita can be found in the villages of Rookwa, Dakubeqa, Dakuni, Soliyaga and Naceva, however many will travel around the islands performing this brilliant act at hotels and village art centres.įirewalking is a sacred celebration that keeps the culture of Fiji alive for future generations. As legend has it, the descendants are today, as promised by the small man, still able to walk on fire! Tui Naiviqalita believed he had been given a powerful gift by the man and his ability to walk on white hot stones has since been passed through his blood line in the Sawau Tribe on Beqa Island. The small man, in exchange for his survival, promised to give Tui Naiviqalita the gift of controlling fire, allowing him to to walk on white hot stones. It is said that a young man, Tui Naiviqalita, went in search of an eel to give to an elder, but instead found a small man – a spirit god – wrapped in tapa cloth.
The story of firewalking in Fiji begins around 500 years ago, when there were only around 50 people living in the village of Nakarovu in the high land of central Beqa Island, off the coast of Viti Levu. This is where the men of the village walk barefoot across a bed of hot stones, seemingly without burning their feet. One of the most fascinating experiences on a Fijian holiday is witnessing the traditional firewalking ceremony.
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