The Suva City Council is pleased to announce the much-anticipated return of the Hibiscus Festival, a beloved tradition that has been on hiatus for the past five years. The 2024 Hibiscus Festival, led by the Suva City Council Special Administrator & Hibiscus Standing Committee Chairperson Mr. Opetaia Ravai, will take place from August 31st to September 7th at Sukuna Park and The Suva Foreshore, with additional events at the Suva Civic Centre and other venues across the city.
The festival, held under the slogan “Where Beauty Blooms, Suva Shines,” aims to showcase Suva as a premier destination, highlighting its local tourism attractions, vibrant retailers, diverse businesses, and rich culinary offerings.
Mr. Ravai expressed his excitement about the festival’s revival, stating, “After a lapse of five years, we are delighted to bring back the Hibiscus Festival. This year, we invite everyone across Fiji to join us in Suva to celebrate the essence of what the Hibiscus Festival is all about: celebrating the rich cultures of Fiji and promoting the many attractions that Suva has to offer.”
The Hibiscus Festival has a storied history, beginning in 1956 under the coordination of the Hibiscus Festival Association with support from local government and Fiji Airways. The inaugural Miss Hibiscus, Liebling Marlow, set a high standard for what has since become an iconic event in Fiji. Originally a modest one-night affair, the festival quickly gained popularity, evolving into a week-long extravaganza that attracts both locals and tourists.
The 2024 festival marks a new chapter as it returns under the auspices of the Suva City Council. The event promises to revive the spirit of festivity and community that has always defined the Hibiscus Festival. Notably, the festival has engaged Mr. Andhy Blake as its Creative Pageant Director. With his international experience with the Miss World Organization, Mr. Blake is committed to creating an exciting and glamorous program.
“We are working on an exciting weeklong program that aims to revive the essence of the Hibiscus Festival as it was in the 90s,” said Mr. Blake. “This year, the festival will embody a lot of glamor, which will be depicted in some of the programs during the festival week.”
The Hibiscus Festival has always been more than just a celebration; it is a symbol of Suva’s vibrant community spirit and cultural heritage. This year’s festival promises to be a dazzling return, inviting everyone to step into the colourful history and dynamic present of Suva.
