Thousands of Kigali residents turned up in large numbers last night to welcome the New Year at Kigali Car Free Zone. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Thousands of Kigali residents turned up in large numbers last night to welcome the New Year at the Kigali Convention Centre public square and several other venues.
Spectacular fireworks lit up Rwanda’s skyline as thousands gathered at designated sites or places of worship across the country to usher in 2026 in style.
In Kigali, fireworks displays were held at City Hall, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, Canal Olympia in Rebero, Kigali Heights near the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and the KCC parking area.
Celebrations also took place beyond the capital, including at Epic Hotel in Nyagatare District, Nengo Hill in Rubavu, Huye Stadium parking area in Huye District, the GOICO Plaza market building in Musanze District, and Château Marara in Karongi District.
For the first time, Karongi District hosted a fireworks display at Château Marara, a classic lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu that resumed hospitality services last week.
Fireworks were launched at the stroke of midnight as revelers celebrated enthusiastically, with many sharing videos of themselves dancing, singing, embracing loved ones, and exchanging New Year greetings.
The New Times photographers, Dan Gatsinzi, Kellya Keza, Craish Bahizi, were on the ground across different parts of the country and captured some of the highlights from the celebrations.
Thousands of Kigali residents turned up in large numbers last night to welcome the New Year at Kigali Car Free Zone. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Fireworks explode over the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) Public Square on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the night sky as residents gathered to welcome 2026 in celebration.
Tens of thousands of residents also gathered at Kigali Car Free zone.
Fireworks light up the sky above the Kigali Convention Centre on New Year’s Eve, marking the arrival of 2026 as celebrants gathered at the KCC Public Square to welcome the New Year.
At Kigali Car Free Zone,
Tens of thousands gathered at Imbuga City walk to celebrate the New Year.
At Kigali Car Free Zone,
RUBAVU CITY
Rubavu residents watch fireworks in Gisenyi. Photo by Germain Nsanzimana
In Rubavu fireworks stroke from Nengo Hill in Rubavu. Photo by Germain Nsanzimana
Fireworks were launched at the stroke of midnight countrywide.
Thousands gathered in Rubavu town along the shores of Lake Kivu to watch fireworks and welcome 2026. Photo by Germain Nsanzimana
KARONGI TOWN
For the first time, Karongi District hosted a fireworks display at Château Marara, a classic lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu that resumed hospitality services last week.
For the first time, Karongi District hosted a fireworks display at Château Marara.
For the first time, Karongi District hosted a fireworks display at Château Marara, a classic lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu