Bula: Fijian Nightlife (March 6, 2026)
Whenever possible, we like to eat authentic meals and participate in authentic cultural events in every country we visit and tonight was no exception in Fiji. I’m so proud of Will, Violet and Elena who danced to the instructions of the master of ceremonies and enjoyed partnering up with locals as part of the dance party.
Wrapping up an incredible night of live Fijian music and dance
While yesterday’s scuba diving shark adventure was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, tonight felt more like an indoctrination into the true Fijian culture. It started with a unique fire walk that, unlike what I’ve done in Tony Robbins events, the Fijians stood on hot rocks that had been on fire for most of the day prior to the ceremony.
The tribal elder of this fire walker group starts and ends the walk
Once the crowd cleared out, I put my hand near the closest rock and felt the heat coming from it. This was legitimate and the amount of time each person stood on the hot rock was impressive. Normally, I see people walking briskly over hot coals. This was a new one tonight.
Before dinner, Elena and I had a chance to show Will and Violet around The Pearl resort including their favorite part — the hammocks.
Violet, Will and Elena playing in the hammocks
We also had an opportunity to get a few group pictures before transitioning into dinner. This included a designated photo spot with “The Pearl” name above our heads as well as the reception with a powerful flower arrangement.
Carmodys pose in the reception of The Pearl
And then, the lighting of the torches. Yes, there are beautiful torches throughout the resort, but one doesn’t just “light” them. There’s a ceremony to acknowledge the transition from “day” to “night” and a musical drum beat to support this transition.
Lighting the torches one by one in ceremony to a drum beat
We at traditional Fijian food, listened to live Fijian music, watched traditional Fijian dancers and then danced with these amazing dancers under their instruction.
Live Fijian music and dancing while eating authentic Fijian food
In the words of Violet, “I may forget where I dove with sharks, but I won’t forget the night I had dancing in Fiji.”
It’s true, they did a wonderful job teaching non-Fijians how to dance traditional Fijian dance long enough for everyone to feel included and engaged. It was extremely well done. My whole family had one of their best nights here in Fiji. Thanks go out to the team at The Pearl Resort for a truly memorable evening. And to top it all off, they took these amazing pictures:
Being treated like family for one group photoshoot
Tonight we experienced the true meaning of the word “Bula.” It’s a word Fijians say instead of “Hello” when passing you on the street. It means:
"Bula" (pronounced mm-boo-lah) is a central Fijian word meaning "life" or "good health," commonly used as a warm, enthusiastic, and versatile greeting equivalent to "hello," "welcome," or "hi". It represents the spirit of Fijian hospitality, often accompanied by a smile, and is also used to say "cheers" or "bless you".
Tonight, the Carmodys were truly blessed by the Fijians. Amazing.
