The crown is returning! After nearly a decade of silence, Fiji's most prestigious beauty competition is staging a spectacular comeback this December. But here's where it gets controversial—in an era increasingly questioning the relevance of beauty pageants, Fiji is betting big on their cultural and economic value.
In an exciting announcement from Suva this morning, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa officially launched both the revived Miss Fiji Pageant and the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026, which Fiji will proudly host. The Minister passionately explained that these events represent far more than just beauty contests—they're powerful platforms for driving local economic activity and fostering incredible civic pride through creative expression and community collaboration.
And this is the part most people miss—the economic ripple effect extends well beyond the glittering stage. Minister Nalumisa emphasized that next February's Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Nadi presents a golden opportunity to stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors, particularly tourism and the complex logistics that support large-scale international events. Think about it: hotels filling up, local vendors thriving, and Fiji shining on the regional stage.
In a groundbreaking move that's sure to spark debate about national representation, the government revealed that Fijians living abroad in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States will also get their shot at the crown. They'll compete for the honor of representing Fiji at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant—but does representing a country you no longer live in truly capture the spirit of national identity? This bold inclusion policy is likely to generate strong opinions on both sides.
The revived Miss Fiji Pageant will feature representatives from all major municipalities across the nation, each vying for the chance to become Fiji's ambassador to the broader Pacific region. The competition is scheduled to take place in Suva from December 10th to 13th, marking the end of an eight-year absence that left many wondering if the tradition had been lost forever.
So what do you think—are beauty pageants outdated traditions or valuable cultural and economic assets in today's world? Does including diaspora competitors strengthen or dilute national representation? We're eager to hear your perspective in the comments below.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere. (https://www.viti.plus/)
