December 31st 2024.
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, has proudly become the first major city to ring in the year 2025. As the clock struck midnight, thousands of excited revellers gathered to welcome the new year with open arms, cheering and counting down as colourful fireworks lit up the night sky. The spectacular display was launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country, and a downtown light show added to the festive atmosphere.
Many people flocked to downtown Auckland or climbed the city's ring of volcanic peaks to get a prime view of the fireworks. The celebrations also included a special light display honouring the city's Indigenous tribes, recognizing their contribution and presence in the community. This year has been marked by protests over Maori rights in New Zealand, so it was a meaningful and important gesture to acknowledge their culture and heritage during the New Year's festivities.
As the first country in the South Pacific to ring in the new year, New Zealand's midnight struck 18 hours before the famous ball drop in Times Square, New York. This was just the beginning of a series of celebrations around the world, with each city highlighting its unique culture and traditions. After a year filled with conflicts and political instability, it was a refreshing change to see people coming together to celebrate and spread joy.
In Australia, more than 1 million people gathered at Sydney Harbor to witness the dazzling fireworks display, a traditional event that never fails to impress. This year's celebrations also featured performances by popular British pop star Robbie Williams and Indigenous ceremonies, paying tribute to the land's first people. The excitement and energy were contagious as everyone welcomed the new year with open arms.
In Asia, preparations for the Year of the Snake were in full swing. In Japan, ahead of the country's biggest holiday, temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning, including the traditional practice of swatting floor mats with big sticks. The upcoming Year of the Snake is seen as a time of rebirth, symbolizing the shedding of old skin. Stores in Japan have been selling snake-themed products, adding to the festive spirit.
However, not all countries were able to celebrate with full enthusiasm. In South Korea, New Year's celebrations were toned down or cancelled as the nation observed a period of national mourning following a tragic plane crash. Meanwhile, in Thailand's Bangkok, two major shopping malls competed for crowds with live musical performances and fireworks shows. The scenic advantage of one mall's riverside location and a special performance by popular Thai singer Lisa added to the excitement.
In Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, a dazzling fireworks display and a drone show featuring 800 drones were the highlights of the New Year's celebrations. As the clock struck midnight, people gathered at the iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout for a countdown, marking the start of the new year.
The exchange of New Year's greetings between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin was a reminder of the growing closeness between the two countries. In his address, Xi praised the solidarity and cooperation between China and the global South, while also highlighting the country's improving economy. He also addressed the issue of Taiwan, emphasizing the strong bond between the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
While many countries welcomed the new year with hope and excitement, conflicts in the Middle East cast a shadow over the celebrations. In Israel, the war with Hamas continues to rage, and many hostages remain in captivity. In Lebanon, a severe economic crisis and the aftermath of a war have left the country struggling. In Syria, there is a sense of hope and uncertainty after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.
Despite the challenges and conflicts around the world, people in Dubai were determined to celebrate the new year with enthusiasm. Thousands gathered at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, for an annual fireworks show, adding to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
In Rome, the traditional New Year's Eve festivities were made even more special by the start of Pope Francis' Holy Year. As the city prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims in the coming year, the Pope will lead a vespers at St. Peter's Basilica and a Mass on New Year's Day. In his address, he is expected to call for peace in the midst of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. As we welcome the year 2025, let us all hope for a year filled with peace, unity, and happiness.
The city of Auckland, in New Zealand, had the honor of being the first major city to welcome the year 2025. Thousands of people gathered to count down and celebrate the new year. The sky was lit up with colorful fireworks launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country. The downtown area was also lit up with a spectacular light show, highlighting the city's Indigenous tribes. It was a joyous occasion, but it also marked a year of protests over Maori rights in the country.
As the South Pacific is the first region to ring in the new year, many countries in the area were gearing up for celebrations. In Australia, over 1 million people were expected to gather at Sydney Harbor for the traditional fireworks display. The famous British pop star, Robbie Williams, was set to lead a singalong, and there were also Indigenous ceremonies and performances to honor the land's first people. In Japan, preparations for the upcoming Year of the Snake were in full swing, with temples and homes being thoroughly cleaned. Stores were selling snake-themed products, and the year was seen as a symbol of rebirth.
Unfortunately, not all countries were able to celebrate as planned. In South Korea, festivities were cut back or cancelled due to a recent plane crash that killed 179 people. Thailand's Bangkok, however, had two major shopping malls vying for crowds with live musical acts and fireworks. In Jakarta, Indonesia, there would be a dazzling fireworks display and a drone show featuring 800 drones. As the clock struck midnight, there would be countdowns at the iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout.
In China, there was an exchange of New Year's greetings between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was seen as a reminder of the growing closeness between the two leaders, who both face tensions with the West. China has maintained strong ties with Russia despite the latter's actions in Ukraine, which have resulted in Western sanctions. In his annual New Year's Eve address, President Xi praised the country's role in the world and its improving economy. He also addressed the issue of Taiwan, stating that the Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one family.
The Middle East, unfortunately, was not able to celebrate the new year with the same enthusiasm. In Israel, the ongoing war with Hamas and the plight of hostages cast a shadow over the celebrations. In Lebanon, a severe economic crisis and the aftermath of a war with Hezbollah dampened the mood. Meanwhile, in Syria, there was hope and uncertainty as the country continued to rebuild after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. In Dubai, however, thousands of people were expected to attend the annual fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper.
The city of Rome had an additional reason to celebrate, as it marked the start of Pope Francis' Holy Year. This once-every-quarter-century celebration was projected to bring millions of pilgrims to the Eternal City in 2025. On New Year's Eve, the Pope would lead a vespers at St. Peter's Basilica, followed by a mass the next day. It was expected that he would once again call for peace in the world, amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
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