Cape Town welcomes New Year 2026 with spectacular fireworks display

Cape Town kicked off 2026 with a dazzling five-minute fireworks display over the V&A Waterfront, drawing crowds of families and tourists to celebrate the New Year with music and festive cheer.

Shafiek Tassiem and Mussab Al-Khairalla

1 January 2026 at 01:36:47

A participant from the Cape Malay choir performs in Bo-Kaap during New Year celebrations in Cape Town, South Africa, January 1, 2026. REUTERS/Esa Alexander

Esa Alexander

Cape Town welcomed the start of 2026 on Thursday (January 1) with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour.

The five-minute spectacle lit up the night sky over the iconic V&A Waterfront as crowds cheered, capping an evening of live performances by local South African artists.

Organisers said the free event drew families and tourists alike, creating a festive atmosphere across the city’s popular precinct.

-Shafiek Tassiem and Mussab Al-Khairalla