Fara (Rotuman festivity)

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Fara means “to ask” in Rotuman and is a summer event during av’ mane’a, a time of celebration. Groups of singers and dancers go from house to house to entertain and ask for hospitality.

Fara grows from older beach parties called manea’ hune’ele, where young people would sing, dance, and spend time with potential partners.

Church leaders worried these gatherings encouraged immorality, and families feared losing virginity, so fara was created as a safer, more wholesome way for young people to court.

Today, groups of performers of different sizes travel around villages or districts. They perform at houses or halls with guitars, drums, and ukulele, and hosts give food and drink and join in.

A traditional moment called the “nau te” involves sprinkling performers with perfume or talcum powder (formerly turmeric).

Fara is the highlight of the year for Rotumans worldwide, and many who live abroad return to take part. The island’s population is said to double during fara season.