The Pacific island nation of Kiribati has officially become the first country in the world to usher in the year 2026. Celebrations commenced in the Line Islands as the clock struck midnight, marking the start of a global sequence of festivities that will traverse every time zone over the next 24 hours.
Following the start in the Pacific, major cities across Oceania, including Auckland and Sydney, are preparing for significant public gatherings and synchronized fireworks displays.
Okay News reports that the celebrations are scheduled to move through East Asia and South Asia, with nations like Japan, South Korea, and India set to welcome the New Year shortly after.
The wave of festivities will eventually reach Africa and Europe before concluding in the Americas. In Nigeria, the transition to 2026 is expected to be characterized by large-scale crossover services in various religious centers and vibrant pyrotechnic displays in major urban hubs, reflecting the worldwide spirit of renewal and celebration.
