The Hibiscus Festival 2024 brought renewed vibrancy to the streets of Suva City, energizing the local community. Opetaia Ravai, chairman of the Hibiscus Festival, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in making the event successful.
The festival concluded with a float parade, where queens and their teams persevered through heavy rain while navigating the streets of Suva. Ravai emphasized the importance of the event for the city, particularly after the difficulties faced due to the pandemic. “We hope everyone enjoyed the week of activities,” he remarked, adding, “Suva needed something like this after a five-year pause, and I believe it has been a positive development.”
Looking to the future, Ravai expressed hope for subsequent festivals, stating, “There’s always room for improvement, and I’m confident that the Hibiscus Festival will continue to grow, offering even more enjoyment for everyone.”
The procession attracted hundreds of spectators, with crowds lining the route from the Flea Market to Ratu Sukuna Park. However, strong winds earlier in the day caused a stall’s corrugated iron to be torn away, raising concerns about the safety of the stalls at the festival. There was no official comment regarding the incident.