Food village at Hibiscus festival | New addition to showcase diverse culinary heritage

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Miss Fiji Times, Kelera Vuniwawa waves to the crowd from the float which won the first prize in the commercial division at the 1989 Miss Hibiscus Festival. The float showed how the Fiji Times newspaper is printed, and also marked the 120th birthday of the paper. Picture: YAD SINGH/FILE

The 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival will feature the Hibiscus Food Village, aligning with one of Tourism Fiji’s key pillars: Food Tourism.

This addition aims to showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Fiji, presenting it as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts, says Opetaia Ravai, the  festival’s  standing committee chairperson.

He expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s expanded offerings saying, “we are thrilled to introduce a variety of culinary experiences at the festival this year”.

“From gourmet BBQs and roasted delicacies to smoked meats, Asian, and curry cuisines, to exquisite desserts, the Hibiscus Food Village will highlight Fiji’s strong cultural ties through the styles and preparations of these dishes,” Mr Ravai said.

“All cuisines will prominently feature local ingredients, reflecting the essence of Fijian culinary traditions.

“With Food Tourism gaining popularity worldwide, the festival’s organisers see this as a prime opportunity to elevate the Miss Hibiscus Festival’s profile while providing a delightful experience for both locals and visitors.

“We are excited to offer this experience at the Hibiscus Festival.”

Mr Ravai said visitors and locals of Suva would enjoy a week-long celebration that not only highlights beauty and culture but also the flavours of Fiji.

The culinary segment has attracted significant interest, with close to 100 food vendors vying for a spot at the festival.

A selection committee is tasked with choosing vendors who align with the rebranded and revamped Miss Hibiscus Festival, ensuring a high standard of organisation and production.

“We are committed to making this the best festival in its history, both in terms of organisation and execution.”

The much-anticipated ‘mother of all festivals’ returns this year, promising an unforgettable celebration from Saturday, August 31 to Saturday, September 7, 2024.

This iconic event, held at the Suva Foreshore and the Suva Civic Centre, will be transformed into the vibrant Hibiscus Village, offering a unique blend of beauty pageantry, cultural exhibitions, and a delectable culinary experience.

The festival has long been a staple in Suva’s cultural calendar, and this year’s edition promises to exceed expectations.

As attendees prepare to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hibiscus Village, they can look forward to a feast for the senses, with a week full of beauty, culture, and culinary delights.