World Greets 2026 with Fireworks, Remembrance, and Hope

• Global celebrations for 2026 began in Pacific islands like Kiritimati, Tonga, and New Zealand, hours before most of the world.
• Sydney, Australia, marked the New Year with a spectacular 40,000-pyrotechnic fireworks display over Sydney Harbour and a cascading waterfall effect from the Harbour Bridge.
• Sydney's celebrations included a minute's silence, white illumination, and a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge to honor victims of a recent attack.
• Croatia's Fuzine continued its unique tradition of a noon New Year countdown, with crowds toasting and some braving Lake Bajer's freezing waters.
• Seoul, South Korea, saw thousands gather at Bosingak bell pavilion for 33 strikes of a bronze bell, a ritual for peace and prosperity.

Why It Matters: The world welcomed 2026 with diverse celebrations, blending joy, remembrance, and optimism for the future.