Fijians will not get an additional public holiday on Friday or Monday despite Fiji Day falling on a Saturday this year, with the Government saying the national celebration remains on 10th October.
While responding to a question from fijivillage News on why a public holiday has not been allocated on a weekday to allow people to participate in celebrations and promote patriotism, national pride and unity, Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua says Fiji Day celebrations is on Saturday this year, when most people do not work.
Insert: Tikoduadua on Fiji Day 5th Oct 26
The Minister says the main Fiji Day celebration will be held in Suva this Saturday, culminating with the Fiji Day military parade at Albert Park in the morning.
Tikoduadua launched Fiji Day Week 2026, saying the celebrations provide an opportunity for Fijians to celebrate independence, reflect on the country's history and recognise those who continue to contribute to the nation.
He says this year's Fiji Day Week focuses on building an inclusive Fiji for a better tomorrow.
Activities this week will include market stalls, community and public activities, a clean-up initiative and a history day at the Fiji Museum.
Tikoduadua says there will also be activities in other major centres, including Lautoka and Nadi, while visits to orphanages and homes for older people are among the initiatives planned.
He says different government ministries will also conduct activities focusing on some of the major challenges currently facing the country.
Tikoduadua says the Ministry of Health will focus heavily on HIV awareness, while Police will carry out counter-narcotics activities.
He says drugs and HIV are two major challenges affecting Fiji, and the independence day provides an opportunity for the country to come together in confronting these issues.
Tikoduadua says the Ministry of Defence is also looking at its role and at defence capabilities and mechanisms that could assist Police and other law enforcement agencies in keeping people safe.
He says the Ministry of Women and Children will also undertake social work as part of activities around Fiji Day.
Tikoduadua says while the celebrations are primarily planned around the activities of different ministries, the private sector also traditionally contributes towards Fiji Day activities.
Reflecting on Fiji's history, Tikoduadua says Fiji was ceded to Great Britain on 10th October 1874 and was administered as a British colony for 96 years before gaining independence on 10th October 1970.
He says independence gave Fiji the freedom to determine its own future, but that freedom also came with the responsibility to build the country, look after one another and leave a stronger Fiji for future generations.
Tikoduadua says Fiji has experienced many changes and challenges over the past 56 years, but the resilience of its people remains one of the country's greatest strengths.
He says Fiji Day Week is not only about looking back but also recognising the contributions of communities, young people, veterans, uniformed services, workers and families.
Tikoduadua says building Fiji is a shared responsibility, and while the Government has a role to play, every Fijian also has a responsibility.
He is encouraging people to participate in activities throughout Fiji Day Week, celebrate responsibly and reflect on what independence means to them.
