The rising of the Balolo (worms) is an event villagers in the outer islands and coastal areas of Fiji await eagerly. This usually occurs in October and November during the high tide of the full moon.

It is when millions of worm-like creatures rise to the surface from the inshore reefs, to mingle, mate and then sink again beneath the waves; if they are not scooped up first by eager people anxious for a feast.

Most villagers go out in boats around midnight and anxiously await the appearance of the first few worms. At first sight everyone works frantically to fill their buckets, wicker baskets, or containers with this local delicacy which only rises twice a year.

The Balolo looks like vermicelli; only the creature has a mouth but no head, and a transparent tube for a body. It is a natural almanac, with a fixed day for its appearance.

The traditional Fiijan calender recognises Vula i Balolo Lailai and Vula i Balolo Levu – the months of the minor and major Balolo rising.

In Coastal areas Fijians are able to predict the rising with unerring accuracy, and are out on the reef at the right time and night.

At certain well-known points near the reefs, the sea, is alive with these red, green and brown creatures, which form one writhing mass.

In pursuit are shoals of fish competing with the villagers for their share of the feast.
As the day dawns, these mysterious seaworms sink in unison to their native depths. Not one remains on the surface.

The Balolo is a thin disjointed worm about 18 inches long which lives its life fathoms deep in the coral.They rise twice a year only to die, in the propogation of its kind.