Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Cultural tradition · Beqa, Rewa
Caminhada sobre pedras de Beqa (Vilavilairevo)
The Sawau people of Beqa’s tradition of walking barefoot over stones heated by fire, linked to the legend of chief Tui Qalita and showcased in performances on the island and at hotels in Viti Levu.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Caminhada sobre pedras de Beqa (Vilavilairevo)
Vilavilairevo, the walk on hot stones, is a tradition of the Sawau people who live in the villages of southern Beqa, such as Dakuibeqa, Dakuni, Soliyaga, Naceva and Rukua. Only the men of this tribe perform the rite, which is passed down from generation to generation.
The tradition is tied to a legend. According to it, a storyteller named Tui Qalita went eel fishing and, instead of an eel, pulled a spirit from the hole — a small god (veli) — who in exchange for freedom gave him the power to walk on fire without being burned. Since then, his descendants have kept the rite alive.
In the performance, river stones are heated for hours in a fire inside a shallow pit. When they are glowing, the men, dressed in leaf skirts and garlands, walk barefoot over them in a line, accompanied by chants. In the past, participants observed days of restrictions before the rite.
The performances take place on special occasions in the villages and frequently at hotels in Pacific Harbour, Suva and other parts of Viti Levu, where Beqa groups perform for visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About a 1-hour performance.
Best time
Performances are usually at night or late afternoon, on scheduled days. Confirm dates with your accommodation or with hotels in the area.
How to get there
In the villages of southern Beqa, by boat from Pacific Harbour, on special dates; more frequently, in performances at hotels in Pacific Harbour and Suva.
Tip
Stay behind the line indicated by the organizers and ask permission before photographing up close.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Caminhada sobre pedras de Beqa (Vilavilairevo)
Who practices the walk on stones?
The men of the Sawau people, from the villages of southern Beqa.
What is the legend of the walk on stones?
According to tradition, the storyteller Tui Qalita received from a spirit the power to walk on fire without being burned.
Where to watch?
In the villages of Beqa on special occasions and in performances at hotels in Pacific Harbour and Suva.