The 70th Hibiscus Festival has come to a close, with the milestone celebration highlighting Fiji’s unity, culture, entrepreneurship and shared history.

Closing the festival at Albert Park on Saturday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development Manoa Kamikamica reflected on the festival’s journey since it was first organised by the Suva Jaycees in 1956.

The return to Albert Park after 12 years added significance to this year’s celebrations, bringing back memories for older generations while giving younger Fijians the chance to experience the festival at its historic home.

“Tonight, we do not simply close a festival. We close one chapter of a seventy-year story, a story that belongs to Fiji” Kamikamica highlighted.

Kamikamica highlighted the role Hibiscus continues to play in bringing communities together across cultures and generations.

“There is no stage, no ministry and no policy that can manufacture that kind of unity. It happens here, deeply rooted, because generations of Fijians have chosen to make it happen, year after year” he said.

Over eight days from 29 August, Albert Park hosted music, food, sport, pageantry and community activities, with more than 180 stalls providing opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises to promote their products and connect with customers.

The Deputy Prime Minister also recognised the festival’s contribution to local businesses and entrepreneurs, noting that the opportunities created through Hibiscus can continue beyond the festival itself.

He also paid tribute to the pioneers of Hibiscus, including the first Hibiscus Queen, Liebling Marlow, and runners-up Susan Curtis and Lydia Pickering-Manueli, alongside the many queens and contestants who followed.

As the festival looks towards its next chapter, Kamikamica called for the spirit of Hibiscus to continue inspiring unity, opportunity and confidence among future generations.

He congratulated the festival leadership, sponsors, partners, volunteers, exhibitors, performers, vendors, security personnel and public servants whose efforts contributed to the success of the 70th celebration before officially declaring the festival closed.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA