Early yesterday morning, the Capital City of Suva experienced rain, accompanied by strong winds that swept through the Hibiscus Festival venue, challenging the event as the sun fought to break through the clouds. While the winds caused some roofing iron to be torn from stalls, fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
Despite the tough weather conditions, attendees gathered for the final day of the festival, which had a distinctive atmosphere. There was hope that the brief rain would not dampen the spirit of this cherished annual celebration as it looks towards the future.
As Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka crowned Melania Tora as Miss Hibiscus 2024, the crowd at Suva Foreshore reacted positively. Fireworks illuminated the night sky, providing a delightful conclusion to the festivities.
While communication issues with the event’s organizing team posed challenges, the presence of the people underlined the festival’s importance. Fijians showed up in large numbers, emphasizing the festival’s cherished place in their hearts and its deep-rooted tradition.
Reflecting on previous challenges, particularly those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the gathering served as a reminder of resilience. Many people faced job losses and economic hardship during that time. However, events like the Hibiscus Festival play a crucial role in fostering community spirit, generating joy, and stimulating the local economy.
Hibiscus Festival Chairman Opetaia Ravai highlighted the event’s positive impact on the community, which was in dire need of such a celebration after enduring pandemic-related struggles. He expressed optimism for future festivals, acknowledging that while there is always room for improvement, the Hibiscus Festival is poised for continued growth and greater enjoyment for attendees.
As the festival concluded, emotions ran high with laughter, joy, delicious food, drinks, and opportunities to connect with others. This year’s event offered plenty of reasons to celebrate, with hopes for future lessons and continued success. Congratulations were extended to the winners of the festival.