This year’s Rotuma Day celebration carried special meaning for young Rotumans trying to hold on to their culture in a changing world.
Miss Hibiscus 2025 Rhyelle Aisea who hails from Rotuma said young people played a central role in this year’s celebrations as part of efforts to keep Rotuman culture alive.
She said Rotuma Day was more than an annual celebration, as it gave young Rotumans an opportunity to celebrate their identity, language, food, customs and heritage.
“Personally, growing up, we’ve been told that Rotuma Day is a day where you get to celebrate your identity,” she said.
“That’s everything from your culture, your food and what it means to be a young Rotuman.
“Especially now where everything is changing, so these days are important to us.”
Ms Aisea said the celebration brought together children, dancers, elders and community members, creating a space where culture could be shared across generations.
“It’s more of like passing on the torch of culture.
“It’s an event where we can take part.”
She said this year’s event was also special because her mother’s district, Pepjei, was the host district.
She said the presence of the chief of Pepjei as chief guest also made the event significant for the community.
Ms Aisea also encouraged young Rotumans to continue speaking their language, even if they were still learning.
“The more you speak it, even if it’s Fäeag Rotuąm sirsir (broken Rotuma).
“Eventually it will come naturally to you.”
She said her own experience showed that young people could reconnect with the language through continued practice.
