As the clock struck midnight on Thursday 1 January 2026, nations across the globe ushered in the new year with a dazzling array of fireworks, cultural traditions, and, in some places, solemn remembrance. From the first celebrations in the Pacific to the final countdowns in the Americas, the world was united in marking the calendar's turn.
Oceania and Asia Herald the New Dawn
The first regions to welcome 2026 were the Pacific islands, including Samoa and Kiribati, swiftly followed by New Zealand and Australia. In Sydney, the famous fireworks over the Harbour Bridge were preceded by a minute's silence to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, a poignant moment during the city's festivities.
Across Asia, the Gregorian New Year was widely celebrated. In Tokyo, traditional bell-ringing ceremonies took place, while in Beijing, children posed with prosperity decorations and crowds gathered in shopping malls. South Korea showcased technological prowess with stunning drone light shows in Busan, and fireworks illuminated skies from Bangkok to the beaches of the Philippines.
Spectacles from Africa to the Americas
African celebrations lit up historic landmarks. Fireworks burst over the ancient Giza Pyramids in Egypt and the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal. Revelries continued in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast, marking a continent-wide welcome to 2026.
In Europe, iconic sites formed backdrops for displays. Fireworks exploded over Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and Paris's Arc de Triomphe, while a drone show spelled out "Barcelona" in the Spanish sky. The UK saw major celebrations in London, with the London Eye and Big Ben illuminated, and in Edinburgh, where the famous Hogmanay festivities featured fireworks over the castle. Notably, some areas like Stuttgart's Schlossplatz and London's Primrose Hill were cordoned off, with no public events permitted.
North America's focal point was New York's Times Square, showered in confetti at midnight, with a screen showing an image of Martin Luther King Jr. In Florida, Donald Trump was seen delivering remarks with a "Happy Birthday" message, likely for his son Donald Jr. Meanwhile, South American celebrations ranged from the famous Copacabana beach fireworks in Rio to bustling markets in Lima and Mexico City.
A World United in Celebration and Reflection
The global transition into 2026 demonstrated a shared human experience, blending jubilant spectacle with local custom and moments of reflection. From the high-tech drone displays in Asian cities to the ancient broom men traditions in Switzerland, the night highlighted both modernity and heritage. While security measures altered some plans, the overarching spirit was one of hopeful celebration as the world collectively stepped into the new year.
