After Berlin’s regional government withdrew funding for the traditional German New Year’s extravaganza at the Brandenburg Gate, the iconic ZDF-Silvestershow was quickly relocated to Hamburg.
Thousands of revelers are braving rainy skies and chilly temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius to gather in HafenCity, Europe’s largest city-centre urban development project, to welcome 2026.
Musical highlights include songs from the musical Michael Jackson, British boy band Blue and Michael Patrick Kelly, among many local acts.
Dazzling fireworks lit up the Elbe River at midnight.
For decades, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate has hosted Germany’s biggest New Year’s Eve party – a massive outdoor event with live music, a countdown and huge fireworks, broadcast across the country.
Due to budget cuts, Berlin’s provincial government has cut public funding, which previously amounted to up to 1 million euros ($1.17 million) a year, forcing the show to move to the northern port city.
Berlin welcomed the New Year with a more intimate DJ party for 20,000 guests with tickets at the Brandenburg Gate and a small fireworks display.
(Vijesti.ba)
