Raiwaqa Market Day

Suva - So over the weekend, I decided to visit the first ‘Raiwaqa Flea Market Day’ that was held behind the old Raiwaqa Market that birthed the now famous ‘Raiwaqa Bakery’

Compared to the many market days around the greater Suva area, this particular market day was majority if not all run by the Raiwaqa community – it was a big family get together, with great food, affordable goods and live music.

Organised by Dimila’s IL Mercato the event featured over 50 stalls selling mouth-watering meals from bbq, roast, lovo, assorted pastries, drinks and a flowing supply of Kava. Also on sale was household items, clothes & jewellery.

Ema Dimila Mua of Dimila IL Mercato

Supported by local community band – Raiwaqa Raiwai Arts Club led the live entertainment with special guest appearances by Ken Jesen and the Police Jazz Band closing the day’s festivities.

If you were from the Raiwaqa community, you would have known almost everyone there, so it was not only enjoying mouth-watering food and quality clothes below $5, but also a good time to catch up with childhood friends & family.

Growing up, the Raiwaqa Market was an important place in the community with the fish market, the vegetable market, the 24 hour bakery, billiard shops, service station, post office, restaurants and in the early 80’s had there was a cinema opposite the Hot Bread Shop. It not only provided the local community with essential goods and services but also provided employment to many.

For the youths in the 90’s this was the road leading up ‘Paradise’ and ‘Cobra’ pools where youths would go for a dip in the weekend.

One of the popular drinks during the market day.

It was a family day with the community, great food, great company, awesome entertainment and another story to add to the Raiwaqa Community history.

Keep a look out on Dimil’s IL Mercato page to find out the next Market Day!