New Delhi: New York City welcomed the New Year with a shining night spectacle at the iconic Times Square. The night concluded with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet (3.6 meters) in diameter and weighing almost six tons descended from atop One Times Square- the unmissable ball drop.
The ball’s surface had around 2,700 Waterford crystals that were illuminated by a palette of more than 16 million colors, AFP reported citing officials. Confetti rained on the people celebrating as they were seen amid neon lights at midnight.
Thousands of people gather to watch a giant ball drop from the buildings of Times Square. When the giant ball landed at midnight, the crowd immediately cheered and celebrated the new year. #NewYork #TimesSquare pic.twitter.com/wT4eZ2rmpN
— Catherine Chen (@KarenJo64510662) January 1, 2023
In 2022, around 15,000 spectators watched the ball with their masks on because of the pandemic rules. New Year’s celebrations were also seen across the world, entering into 2023 with countdowns and fireworks as the world bid adieu to 2022 which witnessed a new chapter in the British monarchy and global concern over inflation.
The New Year began in the tiny nation of Kiribati in the central Pacific, then Russia and New Zealand welcomed 2023. After that, the celebrations swept through Asia and Europe and into the United States according to the Time Zone.
UAE Welcomes 2023 With Spectacular Record-Breaking Fireworks, Laser Shows
The United Arab Emirates welcomed the year 2023 in style with record-breaking spectacular fireworks at dozens of locations, Gulf News reported.
The UAE set three world records, fireworks in dozens of locations, drone shows, and star-studded concerts with Emirates celebrating it as a spectacular affair, Khaleej Times reported.
Parties marked the end of a momentous year for the country, with the UAE Vice-President vowing to make 2023 “even more beautiful”, according to Khaleej Times. As soon as the clock touches midnight, the entire world indulged in celebrations of the new year.
Dubai’s iconic landmark Burj Khalifa was brightened up for the new year’s eve celebrations. One of the world’s most recognisable landmarks was lit up by a spectacular laser and firework show.
Burj Khalifa on Instagram posted a video of the breathtaking laser, light, and firework show. The video was shared with the caption, “What an unforgettable and spectacular celebration! It was truly the biggest and brightest show to usher in 2023. Happy New Year from Emaar!”
Thailand And Taiwan Began New Year Celebrations With Display Of Huge Fireworks At The Skyline
Thailand and Taiwan began the New Year celebrations with the display of huge fireworks at the skyline and all-night parties with breathtaking views, according to Reuters. Thailand’s Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan temple was lit up with firecrackers and painted the sky in various colours. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, fireworks illuminated the sky in Taipei, videos sourced from Reuters showed.
The fireworks were launched from the Taipei 101 building, which is not only the tallest building on the island but also one of the tallest in the world.
Thousands Gathered In China’s Wuhan For New Year Celebrations Amid Covid Scare
Amid the surge in Covid cases in China, thousands of people gathered in Wuhan on Saturday night to celebrate the New Year after the authorities rolled back its stringent “zero-Covid” policy, Reuters reported.
In this new year celebration, Civilians released balloons into the sky when the clock struck 12, as per the tradition in Wuhan, where the Covid story has begun.
(With agencies’ Inputs)