People across the world rang in 2026 with fireworks, drone shows and musical performances, as millions gathered in city squares, harbors and stadiums to mark the arrival of the new year.
In Brazil, Sao Paulo hosted the 100th edition of its traditional New Year's Eve road race on Wednesday, drawing about 55,000 runners from 48 countries and regions.
Organizers said ten percent of participants were over 60, with the oldest aged 95, marking records in both participants and age range.
"I think this race is about celebrating life and health. I hope to bring a good start for 2026 in this way," said Fabio, one of the runners.
In South Africa, tens of thousands of residents and tourists packed the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for the New Year countdown. Several live performances were staged to ring in the new year.
As midnight struck, fireworks lit up the harbor skies while crowds cheered and sang in unison, welcoming the arrival of 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrated the arrival of 2026 with a grand drone show.
A thousand drones formed a blazing phoenix with outstretched wings, while another striking formation depicted a human figure rising from the sea, arms open to welcome the world. As the final seconds ticked away, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand welcomed the new year with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks and drone show over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, where locals and visitors gathered to celebrate together.
Countries around world welcome 2026 with fireworks, shows
People from all walks of life across China expressed renewed commitment to their work and the nation following President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year message, describing it as both inspiring and reassuring.
In the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies, Xi's remarks sparked a surge of confidence and ambition among innovators working at the frontlines of China's high-tech industries.
"In his New Year message, President Xi mentioned humanoid robots entering a 'Kung Fu mode'. As someone in the embodied robotics industry, I felt truly inspired. Here in Suzhou's Wuzhong District, we've already attracted over a thousand robotics and AI-related enterprises, forming a complete industrial chain from core components to end-use applications. We're proud of what we've built. In the new year, I'll keep up the momentum and help more robotics companies showcase their technical strength and accelerate development," said Lu Yi, deputy head of the preparatory team, Suzhou Intelligent Robotics Technology Development Co., Ltd in east China's Jiangsu Province.
"The year 2026 marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). We will continue to take root in this hub of innovation in Jingxi Zhigu, overcoming challenges in core algorithm systems and working to convert technological achievements into real industrial value," said Hu Xinyu, a technician at Jingxi Zhigu Technology Co., Ltd in Beijing. "As a worker in offshore wind power technology, I feel a deep connection with the sea. In 2026, we'll focus on key offshore wind technologies to better harness green energy for national development and to benefit tens of thousands of households," said Chen Dawei, a resident of Fuzhou City in east China's Fujian Province.
Xi's emphasis on people-centered development struck a powerful chord with frontline and cultural workers in various regions, who see their daily efforts reflected in the nation's broader journey.
"General Secretary Xi's New Year message was full of encouragement for the people and deeply rooted in their concerns. As a grassroots worker on Mount Tai scenic area, I feel that this new journey of Chinese modernization is just like our daily work, which often requires us to scale cliffs and steep slopes. Only through persistence and determination can we reach and truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery at the summit," said Yang Tongfei, a staff member at Hongmen Management Office, Mount Tai Scenic Area Committee in east China's Shandong Province. "As a guide in the ancient town, I will always keep the general secretary's guidance in mind. I will continuously learn new knowledge, so that when tourists arrive in Lijiang ancient town, they can understand the charm of our world cultural heritage through my voice and feel how the big family of the Chinese nation is tightly united like seeds of a pomegranate," said He Zhiyun, a tour guide in Lijiang ancient town, southwest China's Yunnan Province.
Ordinary citizens also voiced heartfelt appreciation for the message's focus on daily life and well-being, drawing strength from the nation's care for the essentials of everyday living.
"When every small family runs warmly, the big Chinese family thrives. We can truly feel the Party and the government's deep concern for the everyday needs of the people, so warm, and so powerful. This makes me more firmly resolved to start again in the coming year, and more committed to staying rooted at the grassroots and serving the people," said Liu Shaojie, a resident of Lhasa in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.
"I'm filled with confidence going into the new year. Up next, I plan to build a smart orchard with a better use of modern agricultural technology, and make life better and happier," said Huang Hong, a villager in Yanyang Town, south China's Guangdong Province.
"Our small, everyday lives are woven into the grand picture of national development. In 2025, I truly experienced happiness and fulfillment here in Xinjiang. In 2026, I look forward to witnessing even more delightful changes together with the country," said Ayidana, a resident of Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Xi's New Year message inspires national optimism
