Monday 9th October 2006 has dawned in Fiji with a forecast for a cloudy day with occasional rain. However, this is unlikely to dampen the spirits of the Fiji nation and its thousands of visitors, who are celebrating Fiji Day in style.

The nation's capital - Suva - has been the scene of a week-long Melanesian Multicural Arts Festival, with arts and culture exhibitions, dancing displays, song, culinary preparation, and other related cultural activities.

Nations taking part included the host nation of Fiji Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands.

At 10 am there will be formal parade by the Fiji Military Forces personnel at Albert Park. Local public and tourists alike will be able to enjoy entertainment from the various communities - Fijian, Rotuman, Indian, Chinese, Wallis and Futuna, and Banaban.

It is a time for a bringing together of ideas, arts, and traditions of the various cultures living together in the South-West Pacific region, in a showcase event to be enjoyed by all. Fiji Day marks the closing of the week-long Festival.