In 1988, over 1,000 young people were anticipated to march along Victoria Parade in Suva to inaugurate the week-long Hibiscus Carnival. An article from The Fiji Times dated August 16 reported that the carnival was resuming after a year’s hiatus. David Pickering, the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Energy, officially launched the carnival at Albert Park following the procession.
Participants included students from eight schools in Suva and six teams of marching girls, with the Fiji police and military bands leading the march from the Suva Bus Stand to the park. Hassan Khan, a member of the carnival organizing committee, stated, “We have to put out a program that we know is the best for the carnival, and it is our hope that it will bring together members of the community.”
The week’s schedule was packed with events, featuring a Pacific night on Saturday, a youth night on Wednesday, a multicultural night on Thursday and Friday, and culminating in the Hibiscus Carnival Island night on the final evening. Music concerts were planned during lunch hours.
Former governor-general Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau was set to crown the new Hibiscus queen. Three additional contestants entered the competition, increasing the total to 19 instead of the anticipated 20. The new Miss Hibiscus queen would receive a ticket from Air Pacific to Japan and participate in the Miss Asia/Pacific quest in Hong Kong later that October. Additionally, the title of Miss Charity would come with a trip to Brisbane.