CONTESTANTS of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) visited Sabeto Village on Monday as part of their cultural immersion program for this year’s pageant activities in Fiji.
Queens from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga were welcomed by the village elders of the Vanua o Betoraurau, led by na Momo Levu na Tui Sabeto.
The visit marked the start of a morning dedicated to understanding local customs and the cultural significance of Sabeto.
During the visit, the contestants took part in storytelling sessions and other practices central to the way of life in Sabeto.
Elders also briefed the group on the history of Sabeto, its kinship structures, and the values that guide community living.
The visit is a core part of the pageant’s commitment to promoting Pacific identity and cultural awareness, giving contestants an understanding of Fiji’s traditions and communal way of life.
Several contestants noted similarities between Fijian customs and those of their own home countries, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen regional understanding.
Village members, including women’s groups and youth, engaged with the contestants throughout the program, sharing knowledge and answering questions about daily life and cultural responsibilities.
The cultural immersion program continues throughout the week, with contestants scheduled to participate in community activities, public events and further cultural briefings ahead of the main pageant events.
