As the new year 2026 begins, countries mark the New Year with different traditions that reflect their cultures and expectations. Around the world, New Year’s celebrations combine grand fireworks displays with local customs designed to bring good luck and new beginnings.
Let’s remember how the celebration began on our earth
New Year’s celebrations have a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years and cultures. The earliest recorded celebrations in honor of the new year date back more than 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, a city in modern Iraq known for its role as a cultural and political center, where the new year is marked at the end of March with a massive religious festival called Akitu. Over time, different civilizations adopted their own calendars and traditions to welcome the new year.
In ancient Rome, significant calendar reforms led to the repositioning of the beginning of the new year from March to January. This change was made primarily for political and administrative reasons, as Roman consuls—the highest officials in the Roman Republic—were required to begin their term of office on January 1 starting in 153 BC. The adjustment allowed these officials to take office before the start of the military campaign season, which traditionally began in the spring.
January was chosen as the beginning of a new year in honor of Janus, the Roman god associated with doors, gates, and beginnings. Janus embodies the concept of transition and new beginnings, making January a great time to mark the start of a new year. This symbolic association reinforces the change in the calendar and establishes January as a period for new beginnings.
With the adoption of January as the beginning of the year, the tradition of celebrating with feasts, music, and rituals emerged in Rome and gradually spread throughout Europe. Over the centuries, this celebration became widespread, eventually reaching many parts of the world. The introduction of the Julian calendar and later the Gregorian calendar helped strengthen January 1 as the global standard for New Year’s Day.
Today, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated globally, with each culture contributing its own unique customs—from fireworks and countdowns in major cities to local rituals believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The ongoing evolution of these traditions reflects its historical roots and contemporary values, making the New Year one of the most universally observed celebrations around the world.
Discover some of the unique cultural traditions around the world
Since globally there are common practices such as fireworks, firecrackers, and pounding pots and pans that are used globally to ward off “evil spirits” or bad luck from previous years, there are also iconic events such as the Ball Drop in New York City’s Times Square or the massive fireworks display at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is a list of traditions as well:
Spain: At midnight, people eat 12 grapes—one for each bell—to bring good luck.
Denmark: Danes jump out of their chairs in the middle of the night and may break the plates at friends’ doors for good luck.
Brazil: Many wore white clothes and jumped seven waves on a beach like Copacabana, raising hopes for Yemanjá.
Japan: The shrine rings the bell 108 times to cleanse the sins, and the family visits the shrine for Hatsumode and eats Osechi-ryori.
Scotland: During Hogmanay, the first person to enter the house after midnight brings a prize for good luck.
South Africa: In Johannesburg, some threw old furniture out the window to welcome the new year.
Indonesia: We focus on Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Major public spaces such as the National Monument (Monas), Ancol Dreamland, and HI Roundabout become central points for countdown events, hosting live music performances, traditional dance performances, and dazzling fireworks displays. Due to the massive floods that claimed more than a thousand lives in Sumatra (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra), there will be no fireworks in Jakarta in 2026 for solidarity.
Although Jakarta is a cosmopolitan city, many residents also observe traditional Indonesian customs as part of their New Year celebrations. It is common for family and friends to gather and share food, with special dishes such as satay, fried rice, and a variety of street food enjoyed throughout the night. Some people also practice the tradition of eating together as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
Given Indonesia’s diverse culture, some Jakartans choose to mark the New Year with prayers and religious services. Mosques, churches, and temples often hold special gatherings to offer prayers for health, prosperity, and peace in the coming year. Many people take this time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future.
For many Jakartans, New Year’s Eve is best spent with loved ones. House gatherings, neighborhood parties, and community-hosted events are commonplace, providing a more intimate and relaxed way to welcome the new year. These gatherings often feature music, games, and the exchange of welcome greetings.
After various celebrations in all parts of the world, what will the earth look like in 2026? What do we have this year?
The year 2026 will be marked by several significant global sporting events, of which for the first time, the FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The XXV Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in February and the Winter Youth Olympics will be held in Gangwon, South Korea, bringing together young athletes from around the world to compete and celebrate unity through sport.
The celebration of the new year continues in February because according to the lunar calendar, the Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse (specifically the Fire Horse). Other lunar events include the first full moon of the year, the “Wolf Moon”, which occurs on January 3, 2026, and is designated as a supermoon.
What is a supermoon and how will it affect us in 2026?
Supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon or new moon that coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual when observed from Earth. Supermoons occur several times a year, depending on how the moon’s phases align with the moon’s orbit. It is not an official astronomical term but it has become popular in recent years to describe this visually striking lunar event.
The Moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical path, which means there are times when it is closer to Earth (perigee) and times when it is farther away (apogee). When a full moon (or sometimes a new moon) occurs at or near the perigee, the moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point.
Supermoons can slightly increase the strength of the tides, known as perigean spring tides. This happens because the moon’s gravitational pull is stronger when it is closer to Earth. Although these tides are generally only a few centimeters higher than average, they can contribute to minor flooding in coastal areas, especially when combined with other weather events.
The effect of a supermoon is its appearance: it looks brighter and larger in the night sky. This could lead to an increase in public interest in astronomy and more people spending time outdoors observing the moon.
Some cultures and individuals attribute emotional or psychological effects to supermoons, such as heightened feelings or unusual behaviors, although there is no scientific evidence to support an immediate mental or emotional impact.
In any case, it is always good to know and anticipate what will happen around us, what we humans are creating and how our beloved earth is moving so that we can plan and prepare our days in 2026. Once again, Happy New Year. We wish you all the best and celebrate many good things in 2026.
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