To start 2026, this January 1, many of them met in Collioure, between sunbathing, winter diving and raised glasses. Peace, health, brotherhood, success or small personal happiness, Catalans and tourists have shared their wishes for the year that begins.
To open the book of this new year, many people wanted to spend the first hours of 2026 in the most beautiful Village in France 2024, Collioure. Whether they were fresh as roaches or, on the contrary, a little in the coaltar, they were there, on the terraces of Boulevard du Boramar, sunbathing – or simply bathing – with loved ones. Glasses on the nose, bonnets on the head, sometimes even with a blanket on the knees and, often, with something to toast, The Independent took the opportunity to ask them THE question of the day: what are your wishes for 2026?
Jean-Jacques, Colliourenc : “It may seem boring, but everyone should have enough to eat. A little more brotherhood between us all too, that wouldn’t be bad.” In terms of resolutions at the start of the year, Colliourenc does not prefer to hide its face: “I have a chip mentality. That’s why I don’t make any resolutions. We know very well that we don’t keep them… But in an ideal world, I would have to join a gym, stop drinking, stop smoking”.
Victor and Monica, Toulouse : “Health first. Without that, we can’t do much. And then successes in rugby. Victories, qualifications… Do even more sports at the same time too. Maybe stop smoking because my throat is sore. That’s it.” That was for Victor. Monica thinks about her career: “I haven’t really thought about it yet but the first thing that comes to mind is success at work. For everyone but especially for me”jokes the young woman.
Danielle and Jean-François, from Toulouse : “With everything that’s happening, we can’t wait for it! First of all, peace. I think that’s the main thing. In France, let’s have a government that holds up, as long as possible. And let politicians come down and put their feet on the ground to realize the problems of the French. Whether it’s old people like us or young people, the same fight, we’re all in the same boat.”insists the couple married for 55 years. In terms of personal life, Danielle and Jean-François hope that their marriage will last “as long as possible”.
John and Catherine, English : “I wish that we would be more generous towards each other. That my son would finally have a child. I want to become a grandmother”jokes the lady. John makes a wish to “the end of conflicts across the world” and that “people find faith”.
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Alexis, Colliourenc : “Health! But for that, we need doctors in Collioure because there are more of them. I know that we are not the only municipality to no longer have them but it would be good if in 2026, Colliourencs finally had a doctor.”
And you, what would you have answered?
