In 1988, over 1,000 young people were anticipated to march along Victoria Parade in Suva to celebrate the opening of the Hibiscus Carnival, a week-long event. According to an article from The Fiji Times dated August 16, the carnival was being reinstated after a one-year hiatus.
Tourism Minister David Pickering inaugurated the carnival at Albert Park following the procession. Participants included students from eight local schools and six marching girl teams, with the parade led by brass bands from the Fiji police and military forces.
Hassan Khan, a member of the carnival organizing committee, expressed hopes that the event would effectively unite the community, stating, “We have to put out a program that we know is the best for the carnival.”
The program featured various themed nights, including a Pacific night on Saturday, a youth night on Wednesday, and multicultural nights on Thursday and Friday, culminating in the Hibiscus Carnival Island night. Musical concerts were also scheduled during lunch breaks.
Former Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau was expected to crown the new Hibiscus queen, with the final contestant count at 19, falling short of the anticipated 20. The newly crowned Miss Hibiscus would receive a trip to Japan courtesy of Air Pacific and participate in the Miss Asia/Pacific quest in Hong Kong later that October, while Miss Charity would earn a trip to Brisbane.