Warsaw began 2026 with a moment of quiet celebration just minutes after the fireworks faded. At exactly one minute past midnight on 1 January, little Abigail entered the world, becoming the city’s very first baby born in the new year.

Her arrival was as symbolic as it was punctual. Born to Iza and Mark, a Polish–British couple who are already parents to an older daughter, Abigail’s birth marked a gentle and hopeful opening to the year ahead. Timing, as it turns out, runs in the family.

The family was visited by Warsaw president Rafał Trzaskowski who congratulated the parents.

During a visit shortly after the birth, the newborn appeared blissfully unaware of her newly acquired distinction, spending most of the time fast asleep. While adults chatted and smiles were exchanged, Abigail rested peacefully, embodying the calm that so many wish for at the start of a new year.

The family was presented with Warsaw’s traditional newborn starter package, a gesture designed to welcome the city’s youngest residents and support parents in the early days of life with a new baby. Special attention was also paid to Abigail’s older sister, who received a bundle of Warsaw-themed gifts and wasted no time putting them to enthusiastic use.

Photo: X/@trzaskowski_

Tomasz Modrzejewski