In Pictures: New Year Welcomed Around the World
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ShareSave Matthew Tucker and Lucy Talavera
ShareSave AFP via Getty Images
As the clock strikes midnight across various time zones, nations worldwide are joyfully welcoming the New Year.
New Year Celebrations Begin in Kiritimati, Kiribati
– The island of Kiritimati, an atoll in the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati, was the very first place to usher in 2026.
– A tourist shared his experience, stating he celebrated on a beach with no satellites, no signs of human life, complete darkness, and countless crabs.
Festivities in New Zealand and Australia
– Following Kiritimati, New Zealand welcomed the New Year with breathtaking fireworks in Auckland.
– Auckland Fireworks Display
– Fireworks erupted from the iconic Sky Tower, illuminating the night sky.
– Sydney Celebrations
– Australia lit up the sky over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
– However, celebrations in Sydney were marked by a moment of remembrance; at 11:00 PM, the city paused for a minute of silence in honor of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack on December 14, where 15 lives were tragically lost.
– A Jewish menorah was projected onto the pylons of the Harbour Bridge, and a message reading Peace, Unity glowed as Sydney awaited the midnight countdown.
Global Celebrations Capture the Spirit
– Singapore: Fireworks illuminated the Marina Bay Waterfront, matching the grandeur of the city’s skyline.
– Philippines: The vibrant lights of Makati reflected the excitement in the air.
– Thailand: Thousands gathered along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to welcome the New Year.
– Hong Kong: Spectators enjoyed lively performances complemented by colorful attire.
– Beijing: The Juyongguan Great Wall was aglow with captivating lights.
– South Korea: Laser displays dazzled over Seoul’s Lotte World Tower, while artists entertained at the Bosingak pavilion during the countdown.
Unique Traditions Around the World
– Dublin, Ireland: A street performer showcased fiery skills as part of the Procession of Light before heading to the Matinee Countdown Concert at Dublin Castle.
– France: On a nudist beach in Le Cap d’Agde, both clothed and unclothed revelers participated in a traditional New Year’s sea dip.
– Denmark: Swimmers at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath braved chilly waters for a traditional Nytaarsbad.
– Netherlands: Residents in Ommen witnessed the annual carbide shooting, a unique New Year’s Eve tradition involving turning milk cans into makeshift cannons.
– Japan: In Osaka, young women donned traditional kimonos for a Shinto ritual procession at Sumiyoshi Taisha, a revered shrine.
– Poland: Colorful runners in Krakow participated in the longstanding tradition of the Krakow New Year’s Run in the Old Town.
– Indonesia: Adults and children in Denpasar performed traditional dances to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026.
Conclusion
As the New Year celebrations unfold around the globe, each nation embraces its unique traditions while coming together in joy and reflection. From the first moments of the New Year in Kiritimati to the vibrant festivities in major cities, the world rings in 2026 with a spirit of hope and unity.