TUCKED away in the pine forests of the Naduri coastal area in Macuata, is the village of Nakalou.
The Fiji Times caught up with villagers at Nakalou rehearsing a lively meke in preparation for the upcoming Nakalou Day.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama is expected to be part of the celebration too.
Within a few meters from the village green, the distant sounds of the lali beat and claps to ancient meke chants could be heard. The village green and village hall was full of villagers joining in the rehearsal as women lined the village green to practise their meke. Village headman Apisai Daveta said the Nakalou Day would involve fundraising that would be diverted to projects that had been earmarked by villagers for their betterment.
"The population in the village is approximately over 700 and we depend mostly on the sales of resources from the sea for our source of income," Mr Daveta said. "The villagers have identified projects that need to be undertaken including the building of the village footpath, the purchase of a village generator and other small projects to better their lifestyle. Children of Nakalou that are scattered throughout the country will be part of this fundraising and they will also be donating for the projects," he said.
Mr Daveta said big names of rugby like the Satala and Rauqe had maternal links to Nakalou Village.