Hundreds of Fijians gathered at Albert Park to usher in 2026, coming together with family and friends in a spirit of hope and renewal after a challenging year. The festive atmosphere marked a collective aspiration for relief, peace, and stability as they reflected on the trials of the past twelve months.
Among those celebrating was 26-year-old Unaisi Yavala, who shared the struggles her family faced in 2025, particularly on the financial front. “Last year was tough for my family. It was a struggling year, and being together as we welcome the new year gives me renewed strength,” she commented.
Mela Rabuatoka, a mother of three who traveled from New Caledonia to spend the holiday in Fiji, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to shield her children from the political tensions back home. “The kids are very happy to be here because we always have a lot of troubles. We thank God for this time together,” she stated.
Lusia Tupua reflected on the mixed experiences her family faced throughout 2025, describing it as a year filled with both challenges and memorable moments that ultimately brought her family closer. “There were ups and downs, but we came out strong in the end,” she said. “We are hoping for less work and more family time to deepen our connections as our family grows.”
For many attendees, the new year was embraced more as a chance for unity than for celebration, highlighting the importance of togetherness as they stepped into 2026. This gathering not only marked a moment of reflection but also symbolized hope for better times ahead, reinforcing the strength found in family bonds during turbulent periods.
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