The world has officially stepped into the year 2026, led by the Pacific island nation of Kiribati. The first celebrations kicked off as midnight struck on Kiritimati atoll, also known as Christmas Island, marking the beginning of a wave of festivities that will travel across time zones until concluding in the Pacific.
Kiribati Rings in the New Year Ahead of the World
At 10:00 GMT, Kiritimati atoll in Kiribati became the first populated place on Earth to welcome 2026. This nation of low-lying atolls, home to roughly 116,000 people and famed for the South Pacific's largest marine reserve, started the global sequence. Its early celebration set the stage for neighbouring Oceania regions.
New Zealand followed suit at 11:00 GMT, with Australia's east coast joining an hour later at 13:00 GMT. Major cities in these countries organised large public events and fireworks displays, with authorities implementing crowd safety measures.
A Global Wave of Festivities From Asia to the Americas
The celebratory wave then moved across Asia, with nations like Japan, South Korea, China, and India preparing to usher in the New Year with temple bells and public gatherings. Europe was next, with countries including Germany, France, and Italy scheduled to celebrate at 23:00 GMT with major fireworks in their capitals.
Interestingly, nations such as Portugal, Iceland, and Ghana will have entered 2026 before the United Kingdom officially marks the transition, highlighting the spread across time zones. The Americas will join the celebrations later in the global day. Brazil's Rio de Janeiro is set for 03:00 GMT, while the United States' east coast will celebrate at 05:00 GMT. The final stop in the worldwide countdown will be Baker Island, a remote U.S. territory in the Pacific, which will welcome 2026 at 12:00 GMT.
Nigeria's Traditions and a Look Ahead
As the global clock ticks towards West Africa Time, Nigeria is preparing its own unique observances. Across the country, churches are expecting large congregations for traditional crossover night services, while urban centers plan fireworks to light up the sky. The celebrations blend cultural heritage with communal hope for new beginnings.
In related news, a Nigerian cleric, Michael Mike, has already released prophetic declarations for 2026. In a Facebook post titled 'Prophecy for the Year 2026,' he issued warnings for notable figures and prophesied that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, will contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
The journey from Kiribati to Baker Island showcases the diverse ways humanity marks the passage of time, uniting millions worldwide in a shared moment of reflection and festivity as 2025 is left behind.
