(KPL)  People across the Lao PDR welcomed the New Year 2026 on Tuesday night with vibrant celebrations marked by unity, cultural pride, and public order, as communities gathered at homes, villages, offices, and major public venues nationwide to bid farewell to 2025.

In Vientiane Capital, a formal New Year’s reception was held at the Capital Administration Office, hosted by the Vientiane Capital administration. The event was presided over by Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Mayor of Vientiane Capital, alongside Mr. Anouphab Tounalom, Party Secretary and President of the Vientiane Capital People’s Council. Also in attendance were ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, central and capital leaders, and officials from relevant sectors.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Atsaphangthong Siphandone said the New Year celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements made over the past year. He noted that the leadership and people of Vientiane Capital worked with unity, determination, and solidarity to fulfill key tasks assigned by the Party and State, achieving positive results. On behalf of the Capital administration and in his personal capacity, he extended New Year wishes for good health, happiness, enthusiasm in work, and continued success throughout the year ahead. Participants also viewed a New Year greeting message from Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents and foreign nationals gathered at Patuxai Park to celebrate the New Year in a lively and festive atmosphere. Activities included artistic performances, traditional and folk music, cultural dances, singing, martial arts demonstrations, and prize giveaways. The event also featured photo exhibitions and video screenings highlighting major national and Party events in 2025. Ahead of the countdown, attendees watched a New Year greeting video from President Thongloun Sisoulith.

The highlight of the Patuxai celebration was the collective countdown to 2026, accompanied by symbolic light projections on the Patuxai Monument and a spectacular fireworks display. The venue also hosted food and beverage stalls, decorated restaurants, scenic seating and photo zones, dining areas, and exhibitions and sales of ODOP products, souvenirs, and local goods. An open-air stage featuring Lao and international music added to the festive atmosphere for visitors and tourists throughout the day and night.

Beyond ushering in the New Year, the celebrations also commemorated three major national milestones: the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of National Day on December 2, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane.

KPL