The first Hibiscus Festival was an exciting event designed to bring joy to Suva, reminiscent of Honolulu’s Miss Aloha Month. This notable festival, which began in 1956, was highlighted in an article by The Fiji Times on August 20, 1990.
The inaugural festival, organized by the Jaycees, featured a diverse range of participants from various racial backgrounds in Fiji. Susan Curtis, a hostess with White’s Travel Service, humorously secured second place, despite frequently traveling to Viti Levu. The winner, 18-year-old Liebling Hoeflich, won a trip to Sydney, while Lydia Pickering captured third place with a trip to Levuka.
The event was full of community energy, with stalls buzzing and locals wearing Bula shirts, despite official requests for formal attire. The Governor, Sir Ronald Garvey, notably joined in on the Bula shirt trend, adding an element of charm and light-heartedness to the celebration.
The day featured enjoyable activities such as a soap-box derby and a wheelbarrow race, which provided laughs and minor spills, but no significant injuries occurred. Although the Jaycees incurred a small financial loss from the festival, it set the stage for what would develop into Fiji’s largest charity fundraiser and a major annual event at Albert Park in Suva.
While the original Bula shirt competition has diminished over time, it remains a vivid reminder of the festival’s vibrant origins and its capacity to foster community spirit. The article from 1990 serves as a reflection on how the Hibiscus Festival has progressed over the years.