Hundreds of Fijians congregated at Albert Park to welcome the year 2026, surrounded by their loved ones and united in their desires for relief and renewal after a challenging year. As the last moments of 2025 slipped away, individuals from diverse backgrounds joined together, sharing a collective wish for a peaceful and stable new year ahead.
Among those present was 26-year-old Unaisi Yavala, who candidly reflected on the difficult financial circumstances her family encountered throughout the past year. “2025 had been a tough year for my family; it has been a struggling year, and it was very difficult for us,” Unaisi shared. Despite the hardships, she found solace and strength in the warmth of celebrating alongside family and friends.
Another attendee, Mela Rabuatoka, traveled all the way from New Caledonia with her three children to partake in the festivities in Fiji. She expressed her hope that this celebration would provide a protective space for her children, away from the political tensions they experienced back home. “The kids are very happy to come here and spend time here. We always have a lot of troubles, so they were very happy to come here, and we thank God,” she stated.
Lusia Tupua also described 2025 as a year fraught with both challenges and triumphs, yet ultimately one that brought her family closer together and influenced their priorities. “2025 has actually been a challenge with ups and downs; we had some good times as well as some bad, but we came out strong in the end,” she noted. Lusia expressed her hopes for the new year, wishing for more time with family as they navigate life’s demands.
For many of those who gathered, the evening was not just about celebration, but about beginning 2026 with hope and a sense of unity. The shared experiences and aspirations among families in Fiji underscore a remarkable resilience, as they look forward to a brighter future filled with stronger connections and renewed optimism for the year ahead.