Workers in Suva were encouraged to embrace the festive spirit of the Hibiscus Festival by wearing Hibiscus-themed outfits.
On August 19, 1997, The Fiji Times reported on the efforts of the festival organizing committee to revive the lively atmosphere of previous festivals by introducing a prize for the most colorful costume. This award was given to the lending and customer services department staff of the ANZ Bank at Dominion House.
Committee member Jacki Kabu noted the difficulty in selecting a winner due to the impressive display of Hibiscus spirit among the participants. The competition was scheduled to continue throughout the week, with committee members visiting local workplaces to randomly choose winners in collaboration with managers.
“We aimed to bring back the true spirit of the old Hibiscus festivals, which seems to have faded over time,” Ms. Kabu explained. “We are trying to revive it.”
She mentioned that the 1997 festival’s goal was to restore the essence of traditional Hibiscus celebrations, although street decorations were absent. In addition to the costume contest, the festival also included a Miss Personality contest where participants would vote for the winner.
A notable feature of this year’s festival was the introduction of the “eco-Fiji” corner at Albert Park, focusing on environmental themes without motorized attractions. Instead, the Suva Pony Club offered pony rides for both children and adults, adding a delightful element to the festivities.
This initiative underscored a dedication to revitalizing the cultural and community spirit of the festival, making it a significant event in Suva’s history.