Swimmers across Europe brave icy waters for New Year’s Day dip

For many, the New Year’s dip is more than a test of endurance

Last updated: January 02, 2026 | 12:24

Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor

2 MIN READ

Members of the "Berliner Seehunde" (Berlin Seals) winter swimming club attend the club's traditional New Year swimming event at Lake Oranke in Berlin.

AFP

Dubai: Swimmers across Europe welcomed 2026 by plunging into icy seas, rivers and lakes as part of the traditional New Year’s Day dip, a ritual that combines celebration, resilience and community spirit.

From coastal towns to major cities, participants of all ages gathered early on January 1, many wearing festive costumes or national flags, before entering the cold water to mark the start of the new year. Despite low temperatures, crowds cheered as swimmers emerged smiling, hugging and sharing warm drinks.

In Lisbon, fishmonger Maria Antonia Silva was among those taking part, describing the dip as a joyful way to begin the year. “It’s time to have fun and be happy,” she said, echoing the upbeat mood shared by many participants.

Similar scenes played out across Europe, with organised events attracting both seasoned winter swimmers and first-time participants. In some locations, safety teams and volunteers were on hand to assist swimmers and ensure the tradition remained a safe celebration.

For many, the New Year’s dip is more than a test of endurance. It is a symbolic gesture of renewal, optimism and togetherness, offering a refreshing start to 2026 and a reminder of the shared traditions that bring communities together at the turn of the year.

Video from AFP

Also In This Package

First snow of the year blankets Istanbul

Berlin bathers fight 100-year ban- video

Berlin bathers demand end to swimming ban in city's river

Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor

Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next