Schools, towns, and villages featured religious and cultural programs, with major celebrations Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa.
"Should we retain our national flag that conveys historical continuity from the days of the Cakobau government to the period of British Colonial rule, or is it time for a new one?"
In his address, Ratu Rovabokola said that Fiji was facing difficult times and that the only way forward was to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness and find any way possible to unite.
Rovabokola paid tribute to the Indo-Fijian community, and called on his people in Nadogo to treat them kindly in considering issues related to the leasing and use of land.
Standing in for Armed Forces Commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Army Chief of Staff Colonel Meli Saubulininayau said that if the nation was to move forward, its citizens must be not only clever, but wise.
Speaking at Albert Park, President Iloilo said that all citizens needed to resolve to make a difference, as individuals, families, and communities, to the nation.
He lamented that since the coups of 1987, the country had made little progress, a once prosperous and united nation had slipped back into poverty and division, with a deterioration in the basic services of health and education.
Fiji Labour Party parliamentarian Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi said that people had been seen attending other functions in the capital, and blamed Prime Minister Qarase's absence for what he said was a poor turnout to the launch of the celebrations.
The timing of the Prime Minister's official visit to India, coinciding with the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, was unpatriotic, he said.
There was no compelling need for Mr Qarase and his excessively large batch of hangers on to depart now, under the pretext of opening the consulate, when it has been in operation for almost a year," Vayeshnoi declared.
Fiji Week, 2004, the previous year, was marred by a boycott from several leading politicians and other public figures, who accused the government of using the ceremonies to promote a political agenda.
Other events include Disaster Awareness Week, Family Day and Citywide Youth Network, featuring numerous children's games and activities, along with multicultural programs and handicraft shows.