As the globe celebrated the arrival of 2023, cultural celebrations took different forms. Their parties strove to capture the full tapestry of celebration, joy, hope and remembrance. Our major cities across the world lit up their buildings and monuments. Others decided to host more muted commemorations in the wake of recent national tragedies. The celebrations included impressive light installations that lit up London. At the same time, a moving memorial concert unfolded in Kyiv, and a colorful Carnival exploded onto the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
In the UK’s capital, the famous Houses of Parliament glimmered gloriously in red white and blue stripes, almost identical to the Union Jack. Thousands of spectators filled Westminster Bridge to see the newly-illuminated landmark, rolling up to the stroke of midnight and the celebratory fireworks. The New Year’s Eve celebrations were filled with energy, excitement, and anticipation as party-goers ushered in the countdown—
Celebrations Across Continents
Meanwhile in Moscow, a woman named Larisa joined the race from Altai Krai. She wished to spend the winter holidays in the Russian capital with her family. Here’s what she said as she absorbed the warm and beautiful (and oddly encouraging!) mood of the day and shared her wishes for 2021.
“I wish for the war to end. I think that this is the main and most important topic for our country,” – Larisa.
Her sentiments were emblematic of a deeper longing for peace that was felt at most celebrations around the world.
Meanwhile, in Seoul, South Korea, thousands gathered at the historic Bosingak bell pavilion to partake in a time-honored tradition. Boileryard’s bronze bell rang 33 times at midnight. That strong, impactful noise signified the beginning of the New Year and encouraged all who were there to think about the previous year. The event drew the interest of residents and tourists alike. Collectively, they stood joined in their wish for economic success, health and happiness over the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, across the world in Kyiv, nine-year-old Olesia helped decorate a colorful Christmas tree in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral. In it, with hope and good cheer, she looked back on her magical wishing for the new year.
“I think there will be peace in the new year,” – Olesia.
Such expressions of hope were typical among the thousands of attendees as their communities anticipated returning to better days.
Notable Events and Adjustments
As most of the nation’s cities marked Inauguration Day with fireworks and jubilant celebrations, many others reworked their plans amidst recent violence. In Hong Kong, the traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks show has been scrapped. This decision follows last November’s catastrophic fire, which killed at least 161 people. It was a melancholy decision but it underscored the mood many communities around the world are experiencing today.
Bangkok refilled its night sky with the gorgeous fireworks as the New Year’s Eve celebration resumed. The city’s celebration was a vivid expression of hope and happiness in a world filled with anxiety and fears.
On Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, hundreds of thousands of revelers celebrated the New Year with a gigantic music and fireworks show called Réveillon. The beach front celebration attracted thousands of party veterans seeking to usher in the New Year with color, glamor and fun. With the combination of musical craftsmanship, choreography and eye-popping fireworks, it was a spectacular mix that was exhilarating for everyone involved.
In Indonesia, public commemorative celebrations were canceled or greatly reduced. This was in solidarity with communities flooded and landslided, killing more than 1,100. In making the call to limit celebratory tones, the decision highlighted a tremendous wave of compassion and community support that began following Hurricane Katrina.
A Global Countdown
As midnight rolled around the globe, every major city was gearing up for their own special countdown. In New York City’s Times Square, organizers set up security barriers and stages in anticipation of the annual ball drop. Mobs of revelers turned out to see this once-in-a-lifetime event that is now inextricably linked to every New Year’s celebration ever since.
Midnight came first on the islands nearest to the International Date Line. These are Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Tonga, and New Zealand. The New Year was received in all these areas in styles and according to customs, specific to their unique cultures.
The remarkable celebrations on multiple continents are a testament to a mosaic of cultures joined together by hope and resilience. As people looked toward new beginnings, they stoked their dreams of peace. They wanted to see them recover from the struggles of the past year.
