The holiday season is a time for family and celebration, and for 21-year-old Mereani Matakibau, this year’s festivities hold a particular significance. Having spent her early years in England, Mereani has finally realized her long-held dream of returning to her island home in Fiji for the holidays, a special birthday gift she had requested from her parents.
Mereani, who hails from Makadru Village in Matuku, Lau, recently celebrated her milestone birthday. Rather than opting for a traditional party or gifts, she asked for the opportunity to reconnect with her roots and family in her ancestral village. She arrived in Fiji last week and is set to embark on a boat journey with her father on Monday to fully immerse herself in the vibrant island life during this festive period.
“This trip is about reconnecting with my heritage,” Mereani expressed, excitedly anticipating quality time with her paternal grandparents, whom she last saw as a baby. This visit is not just a holiday for her; it symbolizes a profound reconnection with her family and culture.
As the middle child of three, this is the first time Mereani has traveled to Fiji independently, making this journey a significant milestone. Previously, she has made multiple visits to the island, but this eighth trip stands out as the first without her brothers. Each visit has deepened her ties to her homeland, creating lasting memories along the way.
Mereani is already cherishing her experiences and relishing the joy of meeting relatives. This journey marks an important step in her personal quest for self-discovery and understanding her identity. “This holiday season is more than a celebration—it is a heartfelt homecoming and a dream fulfilled,” she said, filled with affection for her roots.
Looking ahead, Mereani is particularly excited about traveling to Lau for the first time. Accompanied by her father, who has also made the journey from England, she looks forward to experiencing the warmth and sunshine of Fiji, contrasting sharply with the winter season she knows back home. “Fiji is so hot, and I love it here,” she joked, contemplating a possible extension of her stay.
The trip is set to be filled with cherished moments spent with cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and grandparents, all while embracing village life and traditions. As she prepares for this next chapter in her journey, Mereani is grateful and wishes everyone a joyful holiday season, offering her warmest greetings for a Merry Christmas.