WELLINGTON, Dec 31: Auckland has become the first major city to ring in 2025, with thousands of celebrators counting down to the new year while delighting in vibrant fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest landmark, the Sky Tower, along with a breathtaking light display downtown.
Many gathered downtown or ascended the city’s volcanic peaks for optimal views of the fireworks and a light show honoring Auckland’s Indigenous tribes, following a year characterized by protests advocating for Maori rights in the nation of 5 million.
As the first country in the South Pacific to welcome the New Year, New Zealand celebrates midnight 18 hours ahead of the iconic ball drop in Times Square, New York. A variety of global cities are preparing for their own festivities, showcasing local customs and cultures after a tumultuous year marked by conflict and political unrest.
In Australia, Sydney Harbor is anticipated to draw more than a million attendees for its traditional fireworks display, featuring British pop sensation Robbie Williams leading a singalong, alongside Indigenous ceremonies and performances recognizing the land’s original inhabitants.
Asia Prepares for the Year of the Snake
In Japan, many businesses are closing as the nation readies for its largest holiday; homes and temples undergo significant cleaning rituals, including beating traditional tatami mats with large sticks.
The forthcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac symbolizes renewal, reminiscent of the snake’s process of shedding skin. Japanese stores are selling adorable snake figures and various snake-inspired products ahead of January 1. Other Asian regions will celebrate the Year of the Snake later, coinciding with the Lunar New Year.
In South Korea, celebrations have been scaled back or canceled due to national mourning following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight that claimed 179 lives.
Bangkok, Thailand, hosts two shopping malls vying for attention with live music and fireworks. Although CentralWorld is the older venue, the newer ICONSIAM boasts a picturesque riverside setting and a performance from popular rap artist Lisa, a Thai member of the K-pop group Blackpink, just before midnight.
In Jakarta, a stunning fireworks display will illuminate the sky, featuring a drone show with 800 drones, followed by countdown celebrations at the iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout.
Goodwill Among Rivals in the West
Chinese state media highlighted a mutual exchange of New Year’s greetings between leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the growing ties between the two leaders in the face of Western tensions.
Xi expressed confidence that China and Russia will “always move forward hand in hand,” according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China has maintained a strong relationship and substantial trade with Russia, significantly mitigating the impact of Western sanctions and attempts to isolate Putin.
In his annual pre-recorded New Year’s Eve address, Xi noted China’s “deepened solidarity and cooperation with the global South” while praising the country’s “responsible” role during these tumultuous times worldwide.
He also asserted that China’s economy, which has experienced recent slowdowns, is on a path to “improvement and recovery.” Xi addressed the issue of Taiwan, the self-governed island claimed by Beijing, stating, “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us.”
Conflicts Looming in the Middle East
In Israel, New Year’s celebrations are expected to be muted amid a prolonged war with Hamas that enters its 15th month, with numerous hostages still unaccounted for. The extent of starvation in northern Gaza, where thousands have fled intensified Israeli military action, remains challenging to gauge, with aid groups reporting minimal food and water deliveries since around October.
Lebanon, grappling with severe economic struggles, has numerous areas heavily damaged from the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which concluded with a fragile ceasefire. Meanwhile, Syrians are expressing mixed emotions of hope and uncertainty for the coming year following the ousting of President Bashar Assad.
In Dubai, thousands are anticipated to revel at the annual fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Midnight Mass and Celebratory Spirits
Rome’s New Year’s Eve festivities have a special allure this year, coinciding with Pope Francis’s Holy Year, a once-in-a-quarter-century event expected to draw around 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City in 2025.
On Tuesday, Pope Francis will conduct vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a Mass on Wednesday, where he is expected to once again advocate for peace in light of the turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East.
In the United States, the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Minnesota will host an 11 p.m. Mass, followed by a champagne reception with toasts. January 1 holds special significance for Catholics, marking the Solemnity of Mary, with many churches planning vigil Masses throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Call for Unity in Germany
Ahead of ringing in the New Year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Germany’s 84 million residents to unite amid various global crises, the nation’s struggling economy, and the aftermath of a deadly Christmas market attack that shocked the country.
“We are a country of togetherness, and we can draw strength from this, especially in difficult times,” Scholz stated in his pre-recorded address.
Celebrating the Olympic Spirit in Paris
Paris is set to conclude a momentous 2024 with its traditional countdown and fireworks extravaganza along the famed Champs-Elysées.
The Summer Olympics and Paralympics played a transformative role in converting the city into a site of joy and remarkable sports achievements, serving as a significant milestone in its recovery from the tragic extremist attacks of 2015.
Britons Prepare for Festivities in Chilly Weather
London is poised to welcome the New Year with a magnificent fireworks display along the River Thames and a parade through the city center featuring 10,000 performers on Wednesday. The fireworks display will take place against the stunning backdrop of the London Eye, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
However, inclement weather has led to the cancellation of festivities in Edinburgh, Scotland, which were to include the Hogmanay Street Party, garden concert, and castle fireworks show.
Rio de Janeiro’s Grand Festivities
Brazil will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro at Copacabana Beach, where 10 ferries will showcase a 12-minute fireworks display. Thousands of tourists aboard six cruise ships will enjoy an up-close view.
Rio’s City Hall is keeping plans for its light and sound display closely guarded, but over 2 million revelers are expected at the Copacabana, eager to enjoy performances by superstar Brazilian artists, including pop sensation Anitta and Grammy-winning artist Caetano Veloso.
American New Year Traditions, Old and New
In New York City, the team managing Times Square has conducted tests on the iconic ball drop and inspected the “2025” numerals adorned with thousands of crystals, all part of a tradition dating back to 1907. This year’s celebration will feature performances by TLC, Jonas Brothers, Rita Ora, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Despite potentially rainy and cold weather, large crowds are expected to gather in the city’s main tourist and theater district.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas will bid farewell to 2024 with a combination of classic and innovative traditions, including an eight-minute pyrotechnics show along the Las Vegas Strip, where 340,000 people are anticipated as fireworks light up the sky from the rooftops of nine casinos. Nearby, the enormous Sphere venue will display countdowns to midnight across various time zones for the first time.
Country Music and Sports Traditions
In Pasadena, eager spectators of the Rose Parade were set to camp out on chilly streets, hoping for the best spots for this iconic Southern California event that precedes the Rose Bowl football game. A midnight 5K race is also scheduled to follow the parade route.
Approximately 200,000 attendees are expected at a party in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring a five-hour performance by some of country music’s biggest stars. At midnight, a 16-foot tall music note weighing 400 pounds will drop, accompanied by a stunning fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
As the New Year arrives in different time zones, celebrations will echo globally, with American Samoa among the last to welcome 2025, a full 24 hours after New Zealand. (AP)
