Workers in Suva were invited to participate in the festive spirit of the Hibiscus Festival by wearing Hibiscus-themed outfits.
On August 19, 1997, it was reported how the Hibiscus organizing committee aimed to revive the lively atmosphere of previous festivals by offering a prize for the most vibrant costume. This honor ultimately went to the staff of the ANZ Bank’s lending and customer services department located at Dominion House.
Committee member Jacki Kabu emphasized the difficulty in selecting a winner, given the impressive display of Hibiscus spirit and camaraderie displayed by participants.
The competition was planned to extend throughout the week, with committee members visiting various workplaces to randomly select winners in partnership with individual managers.
“We were attempting to bring back the Hibiscus spirit, the true essence of the earlier Hibiscus festivals, which seems to have faded away,” Ms. Kabu stated. “We are trying to revive it.”
She mentioned that the 1997 festival aimed to restore the traditional elements of Hibiscus celebrations, even without street decorations.
In addition to the costume contest, the festival included a personality contest where participants would vote for the winner.
A notable feature of that year’s festival was the “eco-Fiji” corner at Albert Park, which focused on environmental themes and did not include motorized attractions.
Instead, the Suva Pony Club offered pony rides for both children and adults, adding a delightful aspect to the festivities.
This initiative reflected a dedication to revitalizing the cultural and community spirit of the festival, making it a significant celebration in Suva’s history.