World welcomes 2026 with hope and fireworks
From Sydney to New York, countries have welcomed 2026 with huge firework displays, concerts and street parties, even as many people reflect on a tense and difficult 2025 shaped by Donald Trump’s return to the White House, global conflicts and economic shocks.Pacific nations such as Kiribati and New Zealand were the first to enter the new year, followed by major celebrations in cities like Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and New York.In many places, security was tighter than usual as authorities deployed heavily armed officers and crowd controls around popular viewing points. In Australia, Sydney staged its famous harbour fireworks, lighting up the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in a show designed to symbolise peace and hope for a better year.Tens of thousands gathered along the foreshore as tonnes of pyrotechnics were launched over the water, while local […]
