Firework displays lit up cities across Europe as celebrations ushering in the New Year swept across the globe.
In Paris, revelers gathered on the Champs-Elysees to watch fireworks as well as a light show above the Arc de Triomphe monument, despite continuing anti-government protests.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a televised address, acknowledged Monday the French government “can do better” to help people economically.
In Berlin, residents and tourists enjoyed a huge open-air concert at the Brandenburg Gate with fireworks set off at midnight.
Londoners heard the familiar chime of Big Ben at midnight, even though the famous clock is undergoing renovations and has been disconnected. A specially built electric mechanism was used to power the clock’s hammer. Revelers in London also watched fireworks over the River Thames.
Russia ushered in the New Year over several time zones, having started in far eastern Kamchatka.
Moscow set off fireworks over Red Square as well as organized concerts and light shows across the city’s parks. More than 1,000 ice rinks were also opened in the Russian capital for celebrators.
The Middle East has also rung in the New Year. Revelers in Dubai saw fireworks and a colorful light show at the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalif. Elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, a fireworks display in Ras al-Khaimah reaching nearly 12 kilometers attempted to set a new Guinness World Record.
Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Island nations were among the first countries to ring in 2019 with fireworks and other celebrations.
Monday evening thunderstorms threatened the fireworks show in Sydney, but an estimated 1 million people gathered around various points in Australia’s largest city to witness the annual show.
More than 400 couples in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta rang in the New Year by participating in a mass wedding ceremony amid tight security.
Thousands of spectators gathered in the South Korean capital of Seoul for a laser show, as well as a fireworks display at the city’s COEX Mall, as a traditional bell-tolling ceremony rang in 2019 at City Hall.
In Japan, many locals went to temples to celebrate the New Year, while others attended an exhibition match between retired U.S. boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather and Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa — a multimillion-dollar fight outside of Tokyo that Mayweather said “was all about entertainment.”
The United Nations issued a somber warning to the world of continued threats of climate change, growing intolerance, geopolitical divisions and inequality, but also expressed “reasons for hope.”
One year ago, I issued a red alert to the world. The dangers still exist, but I also see reasons for hope. In 2019, let us build on them and create a better future for all. Happy New Year. pic.twitter.com/S31Q09x1HE
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 29, 2018
A group of journalists will usher in the New Year along with tens of thousands of expected revelers in New York City’s Times Square, as the time-honored tradition of the annual ball drop recognizes journalism and free speech.
In another first, New York police will use a drone to monitor the crowds. The camera-carrying drone will be added to the arsenal of more than 1,200 fixed video cameras that will be deployed by police.
