The world welcomed the year 2026 in a spectacular, staggered fashion, with celebrations rippling across the globe from east to west. Due to the planet's time zones, some nations began their festivities while others were still in the final hours of 2025. The tiny Pacific nation of Kiribati, specifically its Kiritimati atoll, had the distinct honour of being the very first place on Earth to usher in the new year.
Kiribati Rings in 2026 Ahead of the World
At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2025, local time, the celebrations commenced on Kiritimati atoll, also known as Christmas Island, in Kiribati. Operating on the world's most advanced time zone, UTC+14, communities there traditionally marked the historic moment with church services, cultural performances, and intimate local gatherings. This set off a wave of celebrations that moved steadily westward.
Following closely behind Kiribati was New Zealand, where major cities like Auckland and Wellington hosted vibrant fireworks displays, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly events under the Southern Hemisphere's summer sky. Australia was next, with the iconic fireworks over Sydney Harbour captivating a global audience, while other cities across the continent held their own public and private celebrations.
Asian Nations Welcome the New Dawn
The transition into 2026 then swept across Asia. Japan welcomed the year with a blend of modern revelry and ancient traditions, including shrine visits and bell-ringing ceremonies. South Korea entered at the same moment, marked by public countdowns and the resonant ringing of the Bosingak Bell in Seoul.
China observed the Western New Year, though its Lunar New Year remains the paramount celebration. The Philippines crossed into 2026 with characteristically loud and colourful festivities defined by fireworks, family feasts, and customs aimed at attracting good fortune. Thailand celebrated with large parties in Bangkok and coastal tourist areas, where fireworks lit up beaches.
Due to its unique half-hour time zone offset, India entered 2026 later, with cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru hosting concerts and countdown events. Pakistan completed the list of the first ten nations to officially step into 2026, with fireworks, public gatherings, and prayers held in Karachi and Lahore.
Nigerian Context and Prophecies for 2026
As these nations celebrated, Nigeria and the rest of Africa watched on, awaiting their own turn in the global countdown. In a related development, the news comes as Nigerian cleric Michael Mike released his annual prophetic declarations for 2026. In a Facebook post titled 'Prophecy for the Year 2026,' he issued warnings for notable figures like former military leader Ibrahim Babangida and activist Asari Dokubo.
Notably, the cleric also prophesied that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, will contest in the 2027 Lagos State governorship election. This blend of global celebration and local prophecy highlights the diverse ways communities worldwide mark the transition into a new year, reflecting on both universal time and individual destinies.
