Hundreds of Hongkongers and tourists have begun flocking to the streets of Central as excitement builds to usher in 2026, with many saying they hope the new year might bring world peace and avoid a repeat of the deadly Tai Po fire.
The Post saw staff for the area’s countdown event and police officers moving barricades and other equipment at around 6pm on Wednesday. Authorities opted for a lights show instead of fireworks following the recent inferno.
Some of the first to gather in Central were Filipino domestic helpers Maricel Cruz and Marebit Oyardo, who said they had arrived as early as possible in anticipation of a large turnout.
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Cruz, who is 44 and has lived in Hong Kong for 10 years, said they were not disappointed by the lack of fireworks as the concert and light show were a good replacement.
“We are very excited,” she said. “So we don’t want to miss a thing.”
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Cruz said she hoped 2026 would bring world peace and that there would be no more fires like the one at Wang Fuk Court that had left 161 people dead. She added that she wished for the city to be spared from any devastating typhoons.