The inaugural Hibiscus Festival emerged as an exciting event in Suva, drawing inspiration from Honolulu’s Miss Aloha Month. The significance of this festival, first held in 1956, was highlighted in an article from The Fiji Times dated August 20, 1990.
Organized by the Jaycees, the festival showcased a diverse array of participants from all ethnic groups in Fiji. Susan Curtis, a hostess at White’s Travel Service, humorously secured second place despite frequently traveling to Viti Levu. The festival’s winner, 18-year-old telephone operator Liebling Hoeflich, received a prize trip to Sydney, while Lydia Pickering won third place with a trip to Levuka.
The community enthusiasm was palpable, with vibrant stalls and locals clad in Bula shirts, even in defiance of government orders for formal attire. Notably, Governor Sir Ronald Garvey embraced the Bula shirt trend, contributing a sense of charm and rebellion to the festivities.
The event featured enjoyable activities, including a soap-box derby and a wheelbarrow race, with only minor spills and no serious injuries. Although the Jaycees incurred a small financial loss, the festival set the foundation for what would become Fiji’s largest charity fundraiser, evolving into a significant annual event at Suva’s Albert Park.
While the original Bula shirt competition has since diminished, it serves as a reminder of the festival’s vibrant beginnings and its role in fostering community spirit. The 1990 article aimed to remind the people of Fiji of the festival’s growth over the years.