As the clock strikes midnight in beautiful Niue Island, located between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, the world's second-to-last New Year's Eve celebration is underway. The tiny island nation is finally ringing in the new year after countries across Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have already started their celebrations. Despite some events being cancelled for bad weather, the UK and the United Arab Emirates both put on dazzling fireworks displays to welcome 2025. Meanwhile, Syria celebrates its first new year since President Bashar al-Assad's removal with fireworks and DJ sets in the capital city of Damascus. Watch a compilation of the world's top new year celebrations here.
New Year's Eve 2025: Niue Island Welcomes the New Year Last
As the world bids farewell to 2024, Niue Island, a tiny island nation nestled between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, becomes the second-to-last country to ring in the new year. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Niue boasts a population of just over 1,600 people.
Despite its small size, Niue has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community. The island's New Year's Eve celebrations, while smaller in scale than those in larger cities, are filled with joy and festivities.
Celebrations Around the World
Before Niue welcomes 2025, countries across the globe have already ushered in the new year. From the dazzling fireworks displays in Sydney, Australia, to the traditional lantern festivals in China, each nation has its own unique way of marking this special occasion.
In the United Kingdom, despite some weather-related cancellations, London's iconic fireworks display over the River Thames still dazzled spectators. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates put on a spectacular fireworks show over the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Meanwhile, in Damascus, Syria, the capital city celebrated its first New Year's Eve since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. The festivities included fireworks and DJ sets, bringing a sense of hope and renewal to a city that has endured conflict for many years.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: Why is Niue the second-to-last country to celebrate New Year's Eve? A: Niue is located on the western side of the International Date Line, which means it is one of the last places on Earth to experience the end of the day.
Q: What are some of the unique traditions associated with New Year's Eve on Niue Island? A: Niue Islanders often gather on the beach to watch the sunset and welcome the new year with a bonfire. They also enjoy traditional feasts and dancing to celebrate this special occasion.
Q: How does Niue's New Year's Eve celebration compare to those in larger cities? A: While Niue's celebrations may be smaller in scale, they are equally vibrant and joyful. The island's community spirit and close-knit relationships create a warm and unique atmosphere.
Q: What was the significance of the New Year's Eve celebrations in Damascus this year? A: The celebrations in Damascus marked a new chapter for the city after years of conflict. They symbolized hope, renewal, and the beginning of a new era for the people of Syria.
Q: What are some tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in a meaningful and memorable way? A: Consider spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the past year, setting intentions for the future, and embracing the joy and excitement of the occasion.
England and Wales are bracing for a weekend of freezing temperatures and hazardous weather conditions as amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued. The warnings cover most of Wales, central England, and parts of the north-west, with temperatures predicted to drop as low as -10C in rural Scotland. Passengers are advised to check their travel routes as disruptions to rail, bus, and air travel are expected.
In 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, a 7.5-carat diamond valued at USD 20,000. This gift surpassed all other presents received by the Biden family from foreign leaders, and was retained for official use in the White House East Wing. Other notable gifts received by the Bidens included a brooch and photo album from Egyptian leaders, and high-value items like a commemorative album and statue from South Korea and Mongolia respectively.
The recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has caused concern among international agencies, leading to heightened surveillance and close monitoring of respiratory infections by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). As the number of cases continue to rise, experts stress the need for early detection and prevention measures to control the spread of the virus. According to Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dangs Lab, PCR testing is the most effective way to diagnose HMPV, and simple precautions like hand-washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals can help reduce its spread.
Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a popular nightlife spot, has reopened after being closed for investigation since a deadly attack on New Year's Day. The attack, which killed 14 people and injured dozens, was carried out by a lone gunman, Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The incident is now being investigated for any potential links to the recent explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. A minute's silence was held in honor of the victims at a postponed Sugar Bowl game, where the diverse group of victims, including an aspiring nurse and a father of two, were remembered.
President Biden vows to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations following a terrorist attack in New Orleans where a car was rammed into a crowd during New Year's celebrations, leaving 15 dead and 35 injured. The attacker, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, supported terrorist organizations in videos posted hours before the attack and an ISIS flag was found in his vehicle. Additionally, authorities are investigating a possible connection between this attack and a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, where one person was killed and seven others were injured. Both vehicles used in the incidents were rented from the same car rental site, Turo.
The city of New Orleans is reeling after a deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations. The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, proclaimed his allegiance to ISIS before being killed in a shoot-out with police. While investigators initially believed Jabbar had accomplices, the FBI now believes he acted alone. There is also a possible link to the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, but no concrete connection has been found yet.
US authorities have identified the driver responsible for the New Orleans attack as US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police. President Biden has stated that the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group and an IS flag was found in the truck. The identities of the victims, which include a former Princeton University football star, are still being established. Authorities are also investigating a potential connection to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Despite widespread celebrations among Islamic State supporters online, some are urging caution until an official claim of responsibility is made.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of one person and several injuries. The Clark County Fire Department responded to the incident and reported that two individuals were taken to the hospital. Authorities are currently working to recover the body and have advised the public to avoid the area.
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid tribute to late Indian PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away last week at the age of 92. Tobgay visited the Indian Embassy in Thimpu and signed the condolence book, thanking Singh for his unwavering support and personal friendship. Singh, who is considered as the architect of Indian economic reform, played a crucial role in the successful launch of the 11th Five Year Plan for Bhutan during his tenure. Despite their political differences, Singh's support and cooperation were instrumental in the plan's swift implementation.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, has been denied bail in a high-profile sedition case by a Bangladesh court. The monk's lawyers plan to appeal to the High Court, highlighting allegations of a false and fabricated case and arguing that Das, suffering from health issues, is being unjustly detained. Previous hearings were hindered by procedural lapses and concerns over security for one of Das' lawyers.