Crowns and cradles collide at Hibiscus Festival

It was a clash of crowns and cradles at the 2025 Hibiscus Festival this morning, as five Hibiscus Queen contestants traded the stage for strollers during the festival’s popular Baby Show at Suva Civic Centre.

Held just hours after the contestants delivered their private research presentations to the judging panel, the afternoon event saw the Queen hopefuls step into a different spotlight, one filled with giggles, gummy smiles, and more than a few diaper changes.

Babies ranging from two months to five years old competed in the Baby Show, a long-standing Hibiscus tradition celebrating early childhood, parenting, and community connection. This year, the interaction between the beauty queens and Suva’s youngest residents added an extra layer of warmth and meaning to the day.

Miss Merchant Finance Maria Ali, Miss Playland Fantasy Talei May, Miss Yue Lai Hotel Shyna Lata, Miss Emerald Developments Phoebe Madden, and Miss I-Tech Pacific Salanieta Qalo spent the morning mingling with babies and chatting with parents, blurring the lines between pageantry and public engagement.

“It’s one thing to speak about community values on stage,” said contestant Phoebe Madden. “It’s another to be here, connecting with the next generation and the families shaping their future.”

Parents were equally moved by the queens’ presence.

“They weren’t just posing for photos,” said Pauline Tuiroro, mother of seven-month-old Mosese. “They were comforting babies, kneeling down to talk to children. It felt genuine.”

The Baby Show, which drew dozens of families, is more than just adorable outfits and friendly competition. Organisers say it reinforces the Hibiscus Festival’s 2025 theme: Where Beauty Blooms, Suva Shines. As the countdown to crowning night continues, moments like these remind the public that Hibiscus is not just a beauty pageant.