The Hibiscus Festival started in 1956 and it was inspired by a local tour operator who had seen the Aloha Festival in Hawaii and put in place by the Suva branch of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
This was the beginning of a yearly event, which is appreciated and loved by all Fijians until today.
The first festival was held for one night only at the Suva Town Hall, now the Vine Yard Restaurant.
Because of its success, the festival was increased to three days the next year and along the years it became a week-long festival.
Every year, this event has a theme and this year, the theme is “Climate Change: Telling Your Own Narrative”.
More than 30 contestants in five categories will be part of the 61st Hibiscus Festival in Suva this year and the winning queen contestant will represent Suva at the Miss Fiji pageant.
Every day of the week, events are scheduled into the festival program with different themes.
It is one event of the year where you will find people from all around Fiji.
Since it is the school holidays, you will witness a heavy influence of youth enjoying the rides, games and the snacks and food that are offered.
There is a huge range of food stalls with the most famous being the barbecue.
Festival-orientated foods such as candy floss, snow cones and popcorn are also available and vendors who sell children balloons, clothes, costume jewellery and toys at the grounds.
There is no better way to enjoy multiple elements of Fijian culture and experience the islanders’ famous joviality than at the annual Hibiscus Festival.
This annual event is becoming more and more popular each year with all participants enjoying a safe, educational and exciting festival in a multi-cultural environment.
