As the final moments of 2025 quietly slipped away, a new year arrived wrapped in hope, ambition and celebration.
In Suva, cheers erupted as fireworks lit up the midnight sky, ushering in 2026 with laughter, music and merriment.
People welcome the New Year in different ways.
For some, it is a moment of stillness and reflection — attending church services and offering prayers of gratitude.
For others, it is about embracing the energy of the night, surrounded by thumping music, flashing lights and dancing until the early hours.
Many travel back to villages to be with family, while others mark the transition while on duty at work.
However it is spent, the New Year carries the same meaning for all — the promise of a fresh start.
It is a time for letting go of past disappointments, renewing motivation and confidence, and refocusing on goals.
It is also about personal growth, self-improvement and finding a healthier balance between work, family and rest.
On January 1, Fijian families spilled into parks, swimming spots and beaches across the country to celebrate the start of the year together.
Alongside the familiar vakatawase traditions — splashing water and playfully firing bamboo guns — family picnics have also become a New Year staple for many households.
For Isla Gainfort, an Australian New Colombo Plan Scholar in Fiji, this New Year was unlike any she had experienced before. She spent it surrounded by her Fijian family and friends.
“When I booked my flights to Fiji to begin my New Colombo Plan Scholarship, I made one promise to myself, I would welcome the New Year the Fiji way,” Isla said.
“Back home in Australia, New Year’s Eve usually means a house full of friends, the television tuned to the city fireworks countdown and a relaxed day at the beach to follow.
“This year, as the clock struck midnight, I was in Nakasi cheering as our neighbour launched fireworks straight from the driveway – lighting up the sky.
“The next day, we packed up and headed to Nasilai Beach for a picnic with my beloved family in Daku Village. Daku was where I volunteered when I first came to Fiji in 2024.
“What stood out the most was the time spent together swimming, sharing food, listening to music and just having a talanoa. It was a great start to my time in Fiji and a meaningful way to welcome the year ahead.”
While many favour excitement and noise to usher in the New Year, others prefer a quieter beginning.
For Lesu Marama Makoi and her family, welcoming 2026 meant attending church — a moment of spiritual renewal and reflection.
“I just wanted to give thanks for finishing 2025 safe and well and also seek forgiveness before the year ended.
“I hope to go into 2026 with a positive mindset and be a better version of myself.”
As we step into the New Year, perhaps the focus need not be on rigid resolutions, but on choosing guiding values that help us grow.
Spend time with family, commit to a balanced lifestyle and move into the year ahead with intention — and purpose.
Families celebrate New Year in Somosomo, Taveuni.
Picture: ALABASTER INVESTMENTS
Smack Juice…villagers of Korolevu, Navosa enjoy the New Year. Picture: MOSIMOSI PRODUCTION
Families celebrate at Albert Park in Suva on New Year’s Eve. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU
In Naiserelagi Village, Ra Viniana Ranadi Kedraika puts a dress over Koresi Sevutia after splashing him with water, marking New Year or vakatawase. Picture: VINIANA ADI
Splashing water on each other is common during New Year. Picture: MOSIMOSI PRODUCTION
A family inside the Qilaqila Bay of Islands cave. Vanuabalavu, Lau.
Picture: TUISAWANA’S PICTURE
