Report by Humayun Kabir from Lisbon Portugal.
Like other countries around the world, Portugal’s vibrant capital city Lisbon welcomed 2025 with thousands of fans counting down to the new year and reveling in colorful fireworks and a spectacular light show starting from the Tagus River located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
The streets of Lisbon pulsed with life as 2025 approached, the city’s ancient charm blending seamlessly with modern energy. Alfama’s narrow alleys and Bairro Alto’s bustling squares thrummed with the hum of excited conversations, laughter, and the clink of glasses filled with vinho verde. On the Night of the 31st, Lisbon wasn’t just a city—it was a stage set to welcome the world into a bright new year.
Down by the Tagus River, the anticipation was electric. The iconic 25 de Abril Bridge loomed in the background, its silhouette illuminated by strings of golden lights. The Praça do Comércio, with its grand arcades and imposing Arco da Rua Augusta had been transformed into a glowing amphitheater. Families, couples, and friends gathered on the riverbank, their faces lit by the soft radiance of street lanterns and the vibrant colors of light installations scattered across the plaza.
As the final moments of 2024 ticked away, the crowd erupted into a jubilant countdown, voices echoing over the gentle waves of the Atlantic. “Ten! Nove! Oito!” Lisbon’s residents and visitors shouted in unison, the energy building like a crescendo in a symphony.
The city exploded with celebration. The first burst of fireworks shot into the sky, painting the heavens in crimson, gold, and sapphire hues. The Tagus River mirrored the dazzling display, its surface shimmering like a canvas of liquid light. From the Belém Tower to the Cristo Rei statue, Lisbon’s landmarks seemed to sparkle in celebration.
But the spectacle didn’t stop there. A breathtaking light show began, with lasers dancing across the river. They told a story of Lisbon’s past and future: ships from the Age of Discovery, Fado singers, and the iconic tram 28 all came alive in luminous brilliance. The crowd watched in awe, holding their collective breath as a cascade of golden light rained down from the bridge, symbolizing hope and prosperity.
As the final firework faded into the night, the celebrations continued. Bands played on makeshift stages, and the aroma of freshly grilled sardines and pastel de nata wafted through the air. The city that had welcomed explorers to its shores for centuries had now welcomed a new year with open arms, its vibrant spirit shining as brightly as ever.
On the other hand, Auckland was the first major city to welcome 2025, with thousands of fans counting down the New Year and reveling in colorful fireworks and a spectacular downtown light show starting from New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower.
In Australia, fireworks blasted off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the bay to welcome the New Year. More than a million people had gathered at Sydney Harbour for the celebration featuring British pop star Robbie Williams, who led a singalong with the crowd.
Dancers performed the dance of releasing the sun 2024, welcoming the sun 2025, a New Year’s Eve celebration in Bali, Indonesia.
Midnight has struck in several countries in Asia with firework displays taking place from Beijing to Kuala Lumpur. This photo, made with a fish eye lens, captured the display over Marina Bay, Singapore.
Fireworks explode over the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
People waved their smartphones lights during the countdown celebration outside Taipei