On this day in 1970, Britain's Prince Charles handed over the instruments of independence to Fiji's then head of state the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
To commemorate today's 50th anniversary of independence the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Thursday launched a new $FJD50 bill and 50-cent coin.
Bainimarama said the bill and coin represented the country's "rich past" but also more importantly Fiji's "remarkably bright future."
He said Fiji's cherished moments had been immortalised on the front of the new $50 banknote with highlights of the Pacific's tropical blue, bright yellow and orange colours.
The prime minister said the 50-cent coin was "exceptional in its own right, as the first-ever coloured coin to be released in Fijian history".
.. Photo: Reserve Bank of Fiji
Bainimarama also announced that a specially-packaged Fiji 50-cent coin would be distributed to all school students, from Years 1 to 13 over the next few weeks.
"t's my hope that these coins find a special place in the lives of Fijian children everywhere - sitting cherished on bookshelves or stored among their prized possessions," he said.
Both currencies have been issued into circulation as a legal tend.
Local businesses welcome national day celebrations
Thousands of vendors in Fiji are optimistic business will improve following the government's decision this week to allow the municipal markets to open on public holidays.
The retailers association said the 'Suva on Sale' initiative is what vendors need to boost their businesses amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The association's Krishan Kumar said the pandemic had impacted members and he welcomed the markets opening for today's 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
One of Fiji's youngest patriots at Vaturu District School Kindergarten. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
Food Fair organiser Felisha Tuiloma said the event would also help "small to medium enterprises during these challenging times".
"The reason why we're doing this is we want to generate income for small businesses," she said.
"Everyone has suffered during this pandemic so it's a good way to help vendors make some money."
Vendors had painted the markets blue to mark the celebrations - with balloons, cloths and flags.
In Nausori, Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar thanked the vendors for decorating the market
Kumar said without a competitive spirit, businesses could not progress.
.. Photo: Supplied
She praised the vendors for their "display of unity" to work together to celebrate the milestone achievement.
Later the 1800-strong vendors sang the national anthem For Fiji, Ever Fiji.
NZ Fijians mark milestone
Meanwhile, Fijians living in New Zealand will also celebrate the achievement.
In Auckland, a pop-up market will be held at the Pacific Arts Centre in Henderson.
There will be food and arts stalls and games with performances by Fijian musicians, among the activities planned.
Today's celebrations also mark the end of the Fijian Language Week in Aotearoa.
The event was launched online last weekend including activities such as language and cultural lessons and talanoa sessions due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
.. Photo: Supplied
