The festival

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Is the annual Vodafone Hibiscus Festival evolving faster than one has expected since its inception in 1956 as the Mother of all Festivals and pride of the nation?

Previously, the climax of the event was the Ms Hibiscus title but this has expanded to include a Mr Hibiscus. More recently, the Adi Senikau appears to have become the limelight of the festival attracting both locals and overseas-based Fijians. In 2014, Fatima Gyllenhaal Halafini-Kardashian from the Kingdom of Tonga displaced local contestants much to their surprise. This has resulted in an increased interest for Adi Senikau pageants across the Pacific.

Entertainment including traditional as well as contemporary dancing will be on display. Stalls will offer food, drinks, handicraft and many bargains. All in all it is a time to reflect on 60 years of the Hibiscus Festival. In addition, there are 60 more reasons to enjoy and celebrate the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival