Hibiscus Festival Rescheduled to September with Safety Upgrades and Inclusive Plans

Hibiscus Festival rescheduled to September 20–27 with safety, weather and inclusivity at the forefront

The iconic Hibiscus Festival in Suva has been moved to run from September 20 to 27 this year, shifting away from the original August dates to better align with Term Two school holidays and to prioritise public safety and favorable weather conditions.

Suva City Council Chief Executive Officer Tevita Boseiwaqa announced the change after discussions with the Fiji Meteorological Office, noting that late August is forecast to be wetter, while September is expected to offer more favorable weather for the week-long celebration.

FMF Limited has been confirmed as the major sponsor for the 2025 festival, with additional sponsors to be announced in the near future.

This year’s event will feature 11 confirmed Queens contestants in the Miss Hibiscus Pageant, accompanied by a new rural exposure program as part of the contestants’ community work, along with other engaging public activities. Boseiwaqa emphasized that the festival will take a multi-level approach to ensure inclusivity and broad community involvement.

Safety enhancements are also on the agenda, with 80 new street cameras to be installed to bolster public safety during the event. “We want no one to be left behind, and we’re working to make this the best Hibiscus in the history of the event,” Boseiwaqa said.

Context and outlook
The Hibiscus Festival is Fiji’s longest-running festival, dating back to 1956, and serves as a major cultural highlight for Suva, drawing both locals and visitors. The ongoing support from sponsors like FMF Foods Limited underscores the festival’s role in celebrating culture, youth opportunity, and community spirit, while continuing to evolve with renewed emphasis on inclusivity, safety, and public engagement.

Additional notes for editors
– Consider including a neighborhood spotlight on the rural exposure program as a human-interest angle.
– Highlight the planned safety improvements in separate sidebars or captions, focusing on how the 80 cameras will be distributed across the festival footprint.
– If possible, provide practical transport and accommodation tips for attendees around the new dates to help readers plan their visit.

Summary
The Hibiscus Festival in Suva has been rescheduled to September 20–27 to optimise weather and safety, with FMF as the major sponsor and a strong push toward inclusivity, public engagement, and enhanced security, including 80 new street cameras. The event will feature 11 Miss Hibiscus contestants and introduce a rural exposure program, continuing the festival’s legacy as a cornerstone of Fijian culture and community pride.

Overall outlook
The festival team remains optimistic about delivering a memorable and safer Hibiscus experience that brings together local communities and visitors, while building on the event’s long-standing tradition and positive social impact.