As the last moments of 2025 faded away, a new year dawned filled with hope, ambition, and celebration. In Suva, jubilant cheers reverberated as fireworks illuminated the midnight sky, welcoming 2026 with joy, music, and spirited festivities.
New Year celebrations vary greatly across cultures and communities. For many, it embodies a time of quiet reflection—attending church services to offer prayers of gratitude. Others embrace the lively energy of the night, reveling in music, flashing lights, and dancing until dawn. While some travel to their villages to reconnect with family, others face the New Year while dedicated to their work.
However each person chooses to celebrate, the essence of the New Year remains the same—a promise of renewal and a fresh start. It is a moment to let go of past disappointments, reignite motivation, and set new goals. This time is not just about personal growth but also about establishing a more balanced lifestyle between work, family, and rest.
On January 1, families in Fiji flocked to parks, beaches, and swimming spots, celebrating the beginning of the year together. The traditional vakatawase customs, which involve splashing water and playful bamboo gunfire, complemented family picnics, establishing a festive atmosphere across communities.
Australian New Colombo Plan Scholar Isla Gainfort experienced a unique New Year celebration in Fiji, surrounded by local family and friends. “When I booked my flights to Fiji, I promised myself I would celebrate the New Year the Fiji way,” she shared. The midnight festivities included fireworks launched from a neighbor’s driveway, while the following day saw Isla and her friends enjoying a picnic at Nasilai Beach, creating cherished memories of swimming, sharing food, and engaging in heartfelt conversations.
For some, the year’s entry is more subdued. Lesu Marama Makoi expressed her preference for attending church with her family, viewing it as a time for spiritual renewal and reflection. “I just wanted to give thanks for finishing 2025 safe and well and also seek forgiveness,” she said, expressing her desire to enter 2026 with positivity and a commitment to personal improvement.
As 2026 unfolds, the focus can shift from strict resolutions to adopting guiding values that foster growth. Prioritizing family time, embracing a balanced lifestyle, and entering the new year with intention can pave the way for meaningful experiences.
The collective spirit of celebration across the Fijian islands, from festive gatherings in Somosomo and Korolevu to the cheerful atmosphere at Albert Park in Suva, exemplifies a rich cultural tapestry, reminding everyone that the New Year is a time not only for reflection but also for connection and joy.
Leave a comment