The inaugural Hibiscus Festival was an exciting new event that brought vibrancy to Suva, taking inspiration from Honolulu’s Miss Aloha Month. An article from The Fiji Times, dated August 20, 1990, discussed the festival’s origins, which began in 1956.
Organized by the Jaycees, the first festival featured a diverse array of participants from different ethnic backgrounds in Fiji. Notably, Susan Curtis, a hostess from White’s Travel Service, humorously secured second place despite her regular travels to Viti Levu three times each week. The first-place award went to Liebling Hoeflich, an 18-year-old telephone operator, who won a trip to Sydney, while Lydia Pickering earned third place with a trip to Levuka.
The festival atmosphere was lively, with numerous stalls and attendees embracing the local Bula shirt culture, even though government officials had requested formal attire. The Governor, Sir Ronald Garvey, notably joined in on the informal dress trend, adding a unique flair to the occasion.
Festivities included engaging activities such as a soap-box derby and a wheelbarrow race, which featured light-hearted incidents without any serious injuries. Although the Jaycees faced a minor financial setback, the event set the stage for what eventually became Fiji’s largest charity fundraiser, growing into a major annual celebration at Albert Park in Suva.
While the original Bula shirt competition has diminished over time, it remains a symbol of the festival’s vibrant beginnings and its ability to foster community spirit. The 1990 article served as a reminder of the Hibiscus Festival’s evolution over the years.