Workers in Suva were encouraged to embrace the joyful atmosphere of the Hibiscus Festival by wearing attire themed around the Hibiscus flower.
On August 19, 1997, it was reported that the festival’s organizing committee aimed to revive the vibrant spirit of previous festivals by introducing a prize for the most colorful costume. This prize was awarded to the staff of the ANZ Bank’s lending and customer services department located in Dominion House.
Jacki Kabu, a committee member, noted the difficulty in selecting a winner due to the impressive demonstration of Hibiscus spirit and community among participants. The competition was planned to run throughout the week, with committee members visiting various workplaces to randomly select winners in partnership with individual managers.
Kabu expressed the committee’s goal to restore the essence of past Hibiscus festivals, which appeared to have faded over time. She commented, “I guess we are trying to revive it.”
The 1997 festival aimed to recapture the traditional essence of Hibiscus celebrations, even in the absence of street decorations. Alongside the costume contest, the festival also included a Miss Personality contest to determine the winner.
An interesting addition to that year’s festival was the “eco-Fiji” corner at Albert Park, which focused on environmental themes and did not feature motorized attractions. Instead, pony rides were provided by the Suva Pony Club for both children and adults, adding a delightful element to the festivities.
This approach reflected a commitment to rejuvenating the festival’s cultural and community spirit, marking it as a significant celebration in the history of Suva.