Workers in Suva were encouraged to join the festive spirit of the Hibiscus Festival by wearing attire inspired by the Hibiscus flower. On August 19, 1997, The Fiji Times reported that the organizing committee for the Hibiscus Festival aimed to revive the vibrant traditions of past celebrations by introducing a prize for the most colorful costume. This honor was awarded to the ANZ Bank’s lending and customer services department at Dominion House.
Jacki Kabu, a member of the committee, mentioned the difficulty in selecting a winner due to the impressive display of creativity and community spirit among participants. The competition was designed to run throughout the week, with committee members visiting various workplaces to randomly select winners in collaboration with local managers.
“We were trying to recapture the Hibiscus spirit, the true essence of the old Hibiscus festivals which seems to have faded,” Kabu explained. “We aim to revive it.” She noted that the 1997 festival sought to bring back the traditional essence of Hibiscus celebrations, even in the absence of street decorations.
In addition to the costume contest, the festival included a Miss Personality contest where contestants would vie for the title. A significant addition during that year’s event was the “eco-Fiji” corner at Albert Park, which emphasized environmental themes and did not include motorized attractions. Instead, the Suva Pony Club provided pony rides for both children and adults, enhancing the charm of the festivities.
This approach illustrated a dedication to renewing the festival’s cultural and community spirit, making it a memorable occasion in Suva’s history.