NEW YORK (AP) — As the clock struck midnight around the globe, cities from Sydney to Paris to New York City rang in the new year with a mix of exuberance and introspection. Celebrations were filled with stunning fireworks and vibrant light shows, while some regions opted for a more reflective approach.
In Japan, the new year was welcomed with traditional temple bells and climbs up mountains to witness the first sunrise of the year, while in Dubai's harbor, a captivating light display featuring jet skis illuminated the night sky. In Paris, the countdown to 2026 adorned the iconic Arc de Triomphe, while revelers braved frigid temperatures in Moscow to celebrate in the snow.
New York City's Times Square captivated crowds with its legendary ball drop, drawing attendees who braved the cold to witness over 5,000 sparkling crystals. The festivities featured a performance of John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” by Australian artist Tones and I, amidst a vibrant display of confetti.
Contrastingly, some celebrations reflected somber circumstances. In Hong Kong, festivities were notably restrained following a tragic fire that resulted in the loss of 161 lives in an apartment complex. Australia marked the new year with a renewed sense of defiance, less than a month after experiencing its deadliest mass shooting in decades.
In Rio de Janeiro, the streets were filled with over 4 kilometers of crowds celebrating at Copacabana Beach, despite concerns about high tides causing safety worries. Meanwhile, Indonesia opted for a low-key approach, forgoing fireworks on Bali in favor of traditional dances, in homage to communities impacted by catastrophic floods and landslides that claimed more than 1,100 lives a month prior.
In Gaza, the New Year marked a painful reminder of ongoing conflict, with residents yearning for peace and an end to hostilities. “The war humiliated us,” expressed Mirvat Abed Al-Aal, a widowed mother displaced from her home.
Around Europe, celebrations varied greatly. In Rome, fireworks erupted over the Colosseum following a heartfelt message from Pope Leo XIV about acceptance and hospitality, while Paris came alive with revelers celebrating along the Champs-Élysées. In Scotland, the message of hope emphasized by its First Minister revolved around kindness as the country embraced the traditional Hogmanay.
Moreover, a shift in celebrations was noted in Greece and Cyprus, where traditional fireworks were replaced with quieter alternatives, aiming to cater to families and pets alike. As a new year dawns, the collective sentiments of joy, caution, and hope paint a global picture that is both festive and reflective, symbolizing resilience and the unyielding ambition for peace.
