Global Communities Welcome 2025 with Joy, Fireworks, Festivities
News Desk
Islamabad: From Sydney’s iconic harbor to New York’s Times Square and Nairobi’s vibrant streets, people worldwide celebrated the arrival of 2025 with dazzling light shows, heartfelt embraces, joy, and even icy plunges.
Early Celebrations in New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand, was among the first major cities to welcome the New Year. Thousands gathered downtown and atop the city’s volcanic peaks to enjoy spectacular fireworks displays.
Across the South Pacific, nations celebrated ahead of much of the world, with midnight in New Zealand occurring 18 hours before the iconic ball drop in New York City. Revellers in Times Square, dressed in silver hats embossed with “2025,” began assembling hours in advance.
In regions facing conflict, including the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine, the arrival of 2025 was acknowledged more quietly.
Fireworks Light Up Sydney
Sydney celebrated with a breathtaking display of fireworks over its famous Harbour Bridge and bay, drawing over a million spectators. British pop star Robbie Williams led a crowd singalong, while Indigenous ceremonies and performances honored the land’s traditional custodians.
Asia Marks the Year of the Snake
In Asia, Japan prepared for its biggest holiday by cleaning homes and temples, ushering in the Year of the Snake, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. South Korea scaled back celebrations in mourning for the 179 victims of Sunday’s Jeju Air crash in Muan.
Meanwhile, Bangkok, Thailand, featured musical acts and fireworks, and Jakarta, Indonesia, wowed audiences with an 800-drone display.
China and Russia Exchange New Year’s Greetings
Chinese state media highlighted an exchange of goodwill messages between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing growing ties amid tensions with the West.
Seaside and Religious Celebrations
In India, thousands gathered at Mumbai’s Arabian Sea promenade, while Sri Lankans visited Buddhist temples to light oil lamps and pray. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hosted an extraordinary fireworks display, and Nairobi celebrated with scattered fireworks.
Rome’s Holy Year Draws Pilgrims
Rome combined New Year festivities with the start of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, a quarter-century tradition expected to draw 32 million pilgrims. On Tuesday, the Pope celebrated vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica, with plans to appeal for peace during Wednesday’s Solemnity of Mary Mass.
Paris Recalls Olympic Spirit
Paris ended 2024 with a grand fireworks and light show on the Champs-Élysées, featuring the Arc de Triomphe transformed into a tableau celebrating time and the city’s landmarks. Mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed 2024 as a year of joy and fraternity, capped by the successful Summer Olympics.
Cold Weather Brings Mixed Reactions
London’s fireworks lit up the River Thames, though bitter storms canceled celebrations in Scotland. In Switzerland, people embraced the cold by plunging into icy waters.
Rio de Janeiro Hosts Massive Beach Party
In Rio de Janeiro, more than 2 million revelers were expected at Copacabana Beach for 12 minutes of fireworks and live performances by Brazilian icons like Caetano Veloso and Anitta.
New Year’s Traditions Across the US
In New York’s Times Square, preparations for the famous ball drop included musical acts like TLC, the Jonas Brothers, and Rita Ora. Revellers braved long lines and security checks for a night of performances and celebration.
Las Vegas attracted 340,000 spectators with rooftop fireworks along the Strip, and Pasadena, California, prepared for the Rose Parade. Meanwhile, Nashville, Tennessee, welcomed 200,000 attendees to a country music party. American Samoa will conclude the global celebrations 24 hours after New Zealand.
