"The city of Zakho in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region welcomed the New Year on Wednesday night, as thousands of residents and visitors brave the cold and rain to celebrate.   Footage shows large crowds assembled in front of a main stage, where artists performed live music, and fireworks lit up the sky.   Banafsh Khalaf, a visitor from the city of Sinjar, said she came to Zakho with her family and friends to mark the occasion.

“Despite the cold and rain, the atmosphere was festive and people were happy. Hopefully, 2026 will bring happiness and good fortune,” she said.   Zakho hosted a series of entertainment and cultural events throughout December. "