History
fromWorld History Encyclopedia
5 days agoFestivals in Ancient Mesopotamia: Courting the Goodwill of the Gods
Akitu, a Sumerian New Year festival from circa 2900–2334 BCE, combined religious rites and political legitimization of kingship.
Several dozen people were killed and others injured after a blast at the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said early Thursday. Police said the blast occurred at around 1:30 a.m. (0030 UTC/GMT) local time at Le Constellation, a venue popular with tourists, as visitors were ringing in the New Year. A police spokesperson said more than 100 people had been in the bar at the time of the incident.
01/01/2026January 1, 2026 Emergency services have been responding overnight after a powerful blast tore through a crowded bar in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana as New Year celebrations were under way. Several people were killed and others injured after a blast at the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said early Thursday. Police said the blast occurred at around 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Constellation, a venue popular with tourists, as visitors were ringing in the New Year.
London ushered in 2026 with a spectacular fireworks and strobe-light display that celebrated togetherness. As Big Ben struck midnight, crowds counted down in unison before erupting into cheers to welcome the New Year. The London Eye took centre stage in the incredible display, organised by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, with towering fireworks and dramatic strobe effects. More than 12,000 fireworks and over 400 lights were used, making it the largest annual firework display in Europe.