Countries worldwide ushered in 2025 with a blend of vibrant displays and heartfelt traditions, reflecting cultural pride and shared hopes for the future. From eco-friendly fireworks in Thailand to quiet prayers in Kenya, each celebration offered a unique glimpse into the spirit of optimism.
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.
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Organisers in New York have successfully completed a test run of the Times Square New Year’s Eve crystal ball, less than 48 hours before the annual countdown celebration.
Brazilian authorities arrested a woman for allegedly poisoning a Christmas cake with arsenic, killing three and hospitalizing three in Rio Grande do Sul. Another New Year's incident in Piauí left three dead from rat poison-laced food. Both cases are under murder investigations.
Barcelona celebrated January 1st with sunshine, music, and vibrant energy on its iconic Barceloneta Beach. Revelers, both locals and tourists, flocked to the golden sands, dancing, swimming, and enjoying perfect weather as they we
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has deployed one of its largest ballistic missiles at a newly unveiled underground base on Wednesday (3 February), just two days ahead of mediated nuclear talks with the United States in Muscat, Oman.
Winter weather has brought air travel in the German capital to a complete halt, stranding thousands of passengers as severe icing conditions make runways and aircraft unsafe for operation and force authorities to shut down one of Europe’s key transport hubs.
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Ukraine and Russia carried out a rare exchange of 314 prisoners on Thursday as U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi closed with a pledge to resume negotiations soon, offering one of the clearest signs of diplomatic movement in months.
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