Revelers Welcome New Year

People rang in 2018 with firework displays, partying and an array of local traditions:

United States

With a burst of confetti and fireworks, throngs of revelers ushered in 2018 in a frigid Times Square in New York as the glittering crystal ball dropped.

It was the second-coldest on record, with the temperature-12 C at midnight. The celebration started with a Chinese dragon dance. Partygoers bundled up in extra layers, wearing warm hats and face masks, dancing and jogging in place to ward off the cold.

There was also tighter security than ever after two terrorist attacks in 2017 and a rampaging SUV driver who plowed into a crowd on the very spot where the party usually takes place.

France

A storm warning and drizzle failed to dampen spirits on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, where thousands gathered for a light show and a fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe.

United Kingdom

In London, more than 100,000 ticket-holders watched a firework display from the banks of the River Thames.

Germany

Police in Berlin added 1,600 officers on duty and said that large bags and rucksacks would not be allowed on the Party Mile leading from Brandenburg Gate, where thousands of people celebrated at midnight.

Australia

Fireworks lit up the sky above Sydney Harbor, highlighting the city's New Year's celebrations. More than 1 million gathered to watch the festivities.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro's main party was celebrated with fireworks erupting on Copacabana beach after the clock struck midnight to usher in the new year. After 17 minutes of a multicolored show in the skies, singer Anitta led the party on stage with her single Vai Malandra, a song that scored 84 million views on YouTube in two weeks.

Japan

Many Japanese celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Dog in the traditional way of praying for peace and good fortune at neighborhood Shinto shrines and eating New Year's food such as noodles, shrimp and sweet black beans.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, has again served as the focal point of New Year's Eve celebrations - though this year authorities decided against fireworks and instead chose a massive LED light show.

(China Daily 01/02/2018 page12)