The Hibiscus Festival began in 1956 as a small community event and has grown into something the whole nation looks forward to. Families travel from outer islands to attend. Schools plan their calendars around it. For many Fijian children, the Hibiscus Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
One of the most popular parts is the Hibiscus Queen competition, in which young women from different communities across Fiji compete in a celebration of culture, community service and personality. Each contestant represents her home region, and the campaigns to support them turn into community events in themselves.
The festival grounds fill up with food stalls selling kokoda, roti, curries, lovo dishes, fresh coconut, sugarcane juice and sweets from all of Fiji's communities - Indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, Chinese-Fijian, Rotuman and more. Walking through is like a taste of all of Fiji in one afternoon.
Live performances of meke, traditional Indian dance, pop music, brass bands and comedy acts all happen on stages throughout the week. The fireworks on the final night are visible across Suva Harbour, reflecting off the water.