New Year celebrations: Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo among cities first to ring in 2024 with fireworks; see pictures
The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and heightened tensions in parts of the world, are affecting this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in a myriad of ways. Many cities were deploying extra security, and some places canceled New Year’s Eve events altogether.
Auckland has become the first major city to ring in 2024, with thousands cheering a fireworks display sprouting from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a downtown light show. (Source: AP)
2/6
At midnight, the 1.7 million-person metropolis of Auckland saw the light rain that had been falling all day clear as predicted, and then the countdown started on a lighted digital display at the summit of the 328-meter (1,076-foot) communications and observation tower. (Image Source: ANI)
3/6
As the clock struck midnight in Australia’s largest city, tons of explosives erupted in a 12-minute display that focused on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. More than 1 million people, a number equivalent to one in five of the city’s residents, watched from the shore and from boats in the harbour. (Image: AP)
4/6
“It’s total madness,” said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7:30 a.m. to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden. “It’s not so easy to find a good place to sit, but the view is incredible.” (Image: AP)
All throughout Sydney, more police than ever were on duty. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taking place on the waterfront since the Sydney Opera House's sails were lighted up in Israeli flag colours. (Image: AFP)
6/6
People queue to pray at Zojoji Buddhist temple on New Year's Eve in Tokyo. (Image: AP). With agency inputs
