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.
Following the U.S.-Israel strikes, Iran has called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to be held on Monday (2 March), and vo...
Follow the latest developments and global reaction after the United States and Israel launched "major combat operations" in Iran, prompting retaliatio...
Journalist and International Affairs Commentator, Tom Gross, joined AnewZ from Tel Aviv to tell us why he thinks the attack happened now and whether t...
The international reaction to the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran came in fast and strong....
Governments across the region responded swiftly to Israel’s strikes on Iran, closing airspace, issuing travel advisories and activating contingency ...
A factory mistake in eastern China has produced an unlikely Lunar New Year bestseller, as a plush horse with an upside down mouth has gone viral among young shoppers.
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
Follow the latest developments and global reaction after the United States and Israel launched "major combat operations" in Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacuating diplomatic staff amid fears of further instability.
Two people were killed and around 40 injured when a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday (27 February), a spokesperson for the local fire service said.
The United States is expected to deploy six additional aerial refuelling aircraft to Israel as Washington continues to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East while nuclear negotiations with Iran remain under way.
Pakistani air strikes hit a weapons depot on the western outskirts of Kabul overnight, triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the Afghan capital and left residents fearing further violence.
A senior Iranian official has warned Israel to “prepare for what is coming”, insisting that Tehran’s response to the latest escalation in the Middle East will be made openly and without limits.
Cuba has released extensive details of a deadly midweek shootout at sea, showing rifles, pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition that it says were carried by a group of exiles who attempted to enter the island by speedboat.
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers said on Friday (27 February) they were ready to negotiate after Pakistan bombed their forces in several Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, and Islamabad declared the neighbours were now in "open war".
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacuating diplomatic staff amid fears of further instability.
Two people were killed and around 40 injured when a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday (27 February), a spokesperson for the local fire service said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment