SUVA City Council chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa believes it is time to take the 2025 FMF Hibiscus Festival back to its original purpose where everyone is involved.
Mr Boseiwaqa said the carnival needed to move away from being commercialised to an event hosted for the people.
He added that it was important to reflect on past years to see what worked and how the carnival had attracted so many people.
“What was done at that time that attracted many people,” he questioned.
“That should be brought back and one of the events was the night ball that happened after the crowning.
“We will bring this event back next year, making it bigger and ensuring no one is left behind.
“We want everyone to enjoy the carnival. We want to take it back to the original purpose of the Hibiscus carnival and leave no one behind.”
Mr Boseiwaqa said the carnival, which begins this weekend, had attracted business communities, vendors and residents who had booked stalls.
“The preparation so far is going on well, especially strengthening the gaps with experienced people we have brought in.
“This was not done last year so we are trying to fill in gaps and strengthen areas and the whole idea is to try and elevate the Hibiscus Festival to what it should be.
“We had this carnival last year after a lapse of five years, so this is like the second year and we are starting all over again.”
Mr Boseiwaqa added that involving the experiences of former Hibiscus queens, fashion designers, and business operators has been a major advantage in planning this year’s event.
