The 2024 Hibiscus Festival breathed new life into the streets of Suva City, reenergizing the local community. Opetaia Ravai, chairman of the Hibiscus Festival, expressed heartfelt thanks to all who played a part in the event’s success.
The festival wrapped up yesterday with a float procession, where queens and their teams persevered through heavy rain while making their way through the city. Mr. Ravai remarked that such events are crucial for Suva, especially following the difficulties experienced during the pandemic.
“We hope everyone enjoyed the week of activities,” he stated. “Suva needed something like this after a five-year break, and I believe it has been a positive development.”
Looking to the future, he expressed hope for upcoming festivals, saying, “There’s always room for improvement and I’m confident that the Hibiscus Festival will continue to grow, bringing even more enjoyment to everyone.”
Crowds filled the streets from the Flea Market to Ratu Sukuna Park to watch the parade. However, there were concerns earlier in the day when strong winds tore corrugated iron off one of the stalls, raising questions about the stability of the festival’s structures. Officials have yet to comment on the incident.