Under explosive bursts of crimson, purple and blue, more than 1 million New Year revelers in Sydney got one of the world’s biggest parties started yesterday — bidding farewell to the tough year that was 2009 and welcoming the New Year.
As the pre-midnight fireworks show illuminated Australia’s largest city, preparations were under way across the world for pyrotechnics, parties and prayers in the final countdown to herald the end of the period dubbed “the Noughties.”
The mood of the celebrations was tempered in some places by the effects of the financial downturn, which bit hard last year.
There were also reminders of threats and the fight against terrorism.
The US embassy in Indonesia warned of a possible terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali on New Year’s Eve, citing information from the island’s governor — although local security officials said yesterday they were unaware of a threat. The e-mail warning to US citizens said Indonesia’s counterterrorism efforts have been partly successful in recent years, but violent extremists continue to pose a deadly threat.
In Sydney, crowds — organizers expected more than 1.5 million people — thronged to harborside parks and public places for the annual fireworks extravaganza over the landmark harbor bridge and opera house. The twin shows, one at 9pm and a bigger one at midnight, are the centerpiece of Australia’s celebrations that generates some of the most striking images from a night of revelry across the globe.
In New Zealand, dance parties, bands and fireworks were planned in the main cities. In the capital, Wellington, celebrations included a display by world unicycle games competitors.
In the Philippines, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said hundreds of people were injured by firecrackers and celebratory gunfire during New Year’s celebrations.
In Shanghai, people paid 518 yuan (US$75) to ring the bell at the Longhua Temple at midnight and wish for luck in the New Year.
Fireworks displays were also planned to illuminate Hong Kong’s crowded skyline, high-glitz parties were planned in Singapore and thousands gathered at Indonesia’s national monument in the capital, Jakarta, for a fireworks show.
Millions of Japanese were to welcome the New Year by flocking to shrines to pray for good fortune.
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