Auckland was the first major city to welcome 2025 with thousands of revelers counting down to the New Year and cheering colorful fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower, and a spectacular light show in the center.
Countries in the South Pacific are the first to ring in the New Year with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the dance in Times Square in New York.
In Australia, fireworks are shot off the Sydney Harbor Bridge and across the bay to welcome the New Year. More than a million people had gathered in Sydney Harbor for the celebration with British pop star Robbie Williams, who led a song with the crowd.
The next year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is announced as one of rebirth, alluding to the reptile of its skin. Stores in Japan, which observes the zodiac cycle since Jan. 1, have sold small smiling snake figurines and other snake-themed products. Other places in Asia start marking the Year of the Snake later with the Lunar Year.
Jakarta’s New Year celebrations feature a dazzling fireworks display, including an air show with 800 drones, followed by a midnight countdown at the Indonesia Roundabout Hotel.
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2024-12-31 16:03:00
