THE global march into the New Year began on the Kiritimati atoll, where about 7,300 residents were the first to cross the midnight threshold.
As part of the Republic of Kiribati – a nation characterised by its lagoons and islands that span the equator – the atoll boasts the distinction of being the world’s first inhabited location to welcome a new calendar year.
Fifteen minutes later, the Chatham Islands followed suit.
This New Zealand territory, home to a small population of roughly 700 people, maintains its own distinct time zone about 800km east of the mainland.
The celebration then expanded to include all of New Zealand, alongside the island nations of Tonga and Samoa.
South Pacific countries were the first to bid farewell to 2025.
Clocks struck midnight in Auckland 18 hours before the famous ball drop in New York’s Times Square. The five-minute display involved 3,500 fireworks.
In Indonesia, cities scaled back festivities in solidarity with communities devastated by floods and landslides that struck parts of Sumatra island a month ago, claiming more than 1,100 lives.
The capital, Jakarta, held subdued celebrations with a programme centred around prayers for victims. Bali replaced concerts and fireworks with a cultural event featuring traditional dances.
Hong Kong welcomed 2026 without the usual spectacle over iconic Victoria Harbour following a massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people.
Temple bells rang across Japan, and some people climbed mountains to see the year’s first sunrise. Others ate noodles in a traditional wish for long life because of the shape of the noodles.
Beijing staged a spectacular light show, and drums were played as crowds welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse.
In South Korea’s capital, Seoul, a bell tolling was held at the Bosingak Pavilion.
Singaporeans also enjoyed a fireworks display at Marina Bay, with the skyline glowing beyond.
In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River was at the centre of the city’s midnight celebrations.
American Samoa, located just 220km east of Samoa on the other side of the International Date Line, was the last inhabited place on Earth to welcome the New Year. — Agencies
More photos
People burning old resolutions at the Zojoji Buddhist temple, minutes after midnight in Tokyo. -AP
Fireworks exploding over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.-AP
Performers ringing in the new year at the Juyongguan Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing -AP
Taman Kaja community members performing the Kecak dance in Bali. -AFP
People watching the fireworks from the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore; -Reuters
