Global new year celebrations reflect hope and resilience

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2024, countries worldwide rang in 2025 with festivities showcasing their unique traditions and aspirations for the year ahead. From dazzling fireworks to heartfelt gatherings, these celebrations highlighted cultural pride and collective hope for a brighter future.

In Bangkok, Thailand marked the New Year with an eco-friendly fireworks display crafted from sticky rice, spanning 1,400 meters along the Chao Phraya River. The six-act spectacle, adorned with pastel and gold hues, celebrated Thai heritage under the theme “Celebrating the Everlasting Legacy of Siam,” drawing crowds to riverside spots and malls to marvel at the breathtaking show.

New Zealand lit up Auckland with a dynamic five-minute fireworks and laser light display. The Sky Tower hosted a dramatic 10-second countdown, followed by over 500 kilograms of pyrotechnics launched across various iconic sites, including the illuminated Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Sydney, Australia, boasted its largest-ever New Year’s fireworks display, featuring a stunning golden waterfall cascading from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 12-minute extravaganza, with more than 23,000 pyrotechnic shots, illuminated the Opera House, rooftops, and the harbor, captivating over a million spectators.

In Qatar, Lusail Boulevard hosted a drone and fireworks display spelling out "2025." The celebration drew large crowds, with drones lighting up the night sky alongside traditional fireworks, symbolizing the nation's optimism for the year ahead.

Kenya embraced cultural traditions with celebrations in Ruiru centered around "nyama choma," a roasted goat meat dish bringing communities together. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, New Year’s prayers and songs filled churches, fostering a sense of peace and unity.

Damascus, Syria, saw poignant festivities at a Christmas market amid a backdrop of historic change. With the departure of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the end of a prolonged civil war, Syrians celebrated the start of a new chapter, with fireworks symbolizing hope and renewal.

Moscow, Russia, experienced subdued celebrations without fireworks, but crowds remained hopeful for peace and prosperity. Many expressed cautious optimism, despite uncertainty over whether political talks could end the ongoing conflict.

In Ukraine, a curfew left Maidan Square empty as the country continued to endure the challenges of war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s New Year address emphasized resilience, urging Ukrainians to stay strong in their pursuit of peace and independence.

As 2025 begins, the world reflects its diversity and resilience through celebrations that, despite differences, carry a shared desire for peace, unity, and prosperity in the coming year.