Different countries have amazing ways of welcoming the New Year.
The spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve lit up the skylines in major cities around the world. Every nation had ushered the annual event with optimism and positivity in facing the challenges that the year 2013 could bring.
If some countries followed the traditional celebration, the others indulged in modern activities. What is interesting to note is the length of preparation and the cost involved for each event. One good example is the Sydney fireworks display which took more than a year of planning and preparation and the cost amounted to US$6.9 million.
Unlike Australia, U.S. and Asia, the New Year’s Eve celebration in the European countries were scaled back or reduced due to their on-going economic problems.
Let us have a look at how the New Year’s Eve was celebrated in various places around the globe.
- Australia
In Sydney, spectacular fireworks display was set over the Sydney Harbour. The New Year ambassador for the event is the popular singer Kylie Minogue who organized the soundtrack and the creative designs of the event.
- Hong Kong
Thousands of people lined up in Victoria Harbour for the countdown of the year 2013. Outstanding fireworks and astounding sounds had made the atmosphere very spectacular. Their fireworks design was shooting stars in four colours to represent health, fortune, career and love.
- United States
The countdown took place in New York Times Square with the traditional crystal ball drop witnessed by thousands of people gathered on the streets. Securities were tight and checkpoints were placed in several locations for the safety of the crowd.
- North Korea
People gathered in the capital city of Pyongyang to witness fireworks display over the Taedong River. Aside from welcoming the New Year, the people also celebrated their success in launching the space satellite and the rise of their new leader Kim Jong Un.
- Indonesia
Street party was held until after the New Year’s Eve in Jakarta, the capital city. A number of large stages were built along the highway for musical performances and entertainment to welcome the New Year.
- Myanmar
For the first time, after five decades of military rule wherein large public gatherings have been banned, the country celebrated their New Year’s Eve in the city of Yangon.
Although considered as global holiday because of its worldwide observance every 1st of January, New Year’s Celebration is observed at a different time and date by some people in many parts of the world.
What really matters is the significance of every New Year to every person as mentioned in this quote by Edith Lovejoy Pierce:
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves.The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
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