Italians dive into icy waters of River Tiber to celebrate arrival of 2026

Italians rang in the New Year with a chilly plunge into Rome’s River Tiber, continuing the annual Tiber Dive tradition since 1946, as both official and surprise participants leapt from Cavour Bridge. Spectators cheered on the brave divers despite freezing temperatures.

Gabriele Pileri, Roberto Mignucci and Matteo Negri

2 January 2026 at 02:58:53

Italians ring in the New Year with the annual Tiber Dive, as brave swimmers leap from Rome’s Cavour Bridge into the icy River Tiber, cheered on by crowds celebrating the tradition dating back to 1946.

Reuters

Italians plunged into the freezing waters of Rome's River Tiber on Thursday (January 1), as they welcomed the New Year with a traditional jump from Cavour Bridge.

The wintry temperatures did not discourage divers Simone Carabella, Valerio Schirra and Marco Fois, who were cheered on by the crowd gathered on the riverbanks to watch the event.

The annual Tiber Dive has been celebrated on New Year's Day since 1946. This year, three unscheduled participants joined the official divers in jumping off the bridge in the centre of the Italian capital.

-Gabriele Pileri, Roberto Mignucci and Matteo Negri