Fijian Soldiers Perform Ceremonial War Dance After Joining Bushfire Relief Effort in Victoria

4 年前

Fijian soldiers performed a ceremonial war dance as they prepared to assist Australian Defence Forces in relieving communities affected by major bushfires in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

Troops from Fiji arrived in Victoria on January 22 and began to assist communities by clearing fallen burned trees from a major highway.

Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds welcomed the Fijian contingent, posting to Twitter “Vinaka to our Fijian vuvale” with a video of the Fijian’s singing in thanks to catering staff.

The ‘cibi’ is a Fijian a war dance that originates back to the nation’s warring times with its Pacific neighbours. Similar to the New Zealand haka, the dance is performed by Fijian rugby players before international games.

Around 6 per cent of Victoria’s total land mass has been burnt in the 2019-2020 fire season, according to the Country Fire Authority. Credit: East Gippsland Shire Council via Storyful