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. RUBAVU CITY KARONGI TOWN
