The inaugural Hibiscus Festival marked an exciting new chapter for Suva, reminiscent of Honolulu’s Miss Aloha Month. This event’s significance was highlighted in a 1990 article, noting that the festival began in 1956.
Organized by the Jaycees, the first festival featured a diverse array of participants representing different racial groups in Fiji. Susan Curtis, a hostess with White’s Travel Service, humorously claimed second place despite her frequent travels to Viti Levu. The winner, 18-year-old telephone operator Liebling Hoeflich, received a prize trip to Sydney, while Lydia Pickering secured third place with a trip to Levuka.
The festival showcased vibrant community spirit, with stalls buzzing and locals wearing Bula shirts, despite a government recommendation for formal attire. Sir Ronald Garvey, the Governor, notably embraced the casual trend, adding a playful touch to the celebration.
Attendees enjoyed various entertaining activities, including a soap-box derby and a wheelbarrow race, which caused some light-hearted spills but no serious injuries. Although the Jaycees faced a slight financial loss, the event laid a foundation for what has become Fiji’s largest charity fundraiser, growing into a significant annual highlight at Suva’s Albert Park.
While the original Bula shirt competition has since diminished, it still symbolizes the festival’s vibrant origins and its potential to foster community spirit. The 1990 article served as a reminder of how the Hibiscus Festival has transformed over the years.