THE night was filled with colours and aromas of the Pacific Islands as students of Marist Brothers High School stormed the National Gymnasium with their rich cultural diversity on Wednesday night.
Performing meke and other dances, the night presented an opportunity for the students to reflect on themselves, who they are and where they come from.
Vice principal Varasika Monua said the importance of culture and identity could not be over-emphasised.
She said over the past three years, the school had been committed in its effort to accentuate the significance of identity through dance, song and story-telling.
"If this is not encouraged in our homes and schools, then we will continue to be challenged by the swift permeation of modern technology, which consequently, will see the deterioration of our attitude towards our traditional culture," said Mrs Monua, adding the school has set aside certain days in a week for culture lessons.
"Some renewed kinship ties during this session while some were even surprised to know others were from the same village," she said.
The event was staged in conjunction with the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Marist Brothers in Fiji.
It started with a modelling session of chiefly i-Taukei costumes from Fiji's three confederacies. The night featured dances like the meke-i-wau, Jai Ho (from Slum Dog Millionaire) and the dance hit Gangnam style
Head boy Ratu Jone Veisamasama said the event taught students to appreciate and acknowledge their culture.
About 100 people were turned away from the sold-out show.