JANUARY 1, 2024: The world’s first major cities to usher in the year 2024 were Sydney and Auckland, where over a million enthusiastic revellers gathered for a night of festivities accompanied by breathtaking fireworks displays.
As the clock struck midnight, Sydney’s iconic Sydney Harbour was illuminated by a dazzling 12-minute fireworks spectacle that danced around the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacle drew an audience of more than one million people who gathered along the shoreline and on boats in the harbour to witness the spectacle.
In Auckland, New Zealand, the nation’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower, became a focal point for celebrations. Despite light rain that had persisted throughout the day, the skies cleared over the city just in time for the countdown to midnight. The illuminated digital display near the tower’s summit marked the beginning of the festivities.
Before Sydney and Auckland welcomed 2024, the small Pacific island nations of Tonga, Samoa, and Kiribati had already celebrated the New Year an hour earlier.
In Japan, temple bells resounded throughout the nation as people congregated at shrines and temples to greet the New Year. At the Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, visitors were treated to complimentary hot milk and corn soup as they waited in line to strike a large bell. A pipe-organ concert added to the festive atmosphere.
Meanwhile, China marked the new calendar year with relatively subdued celebrations, as fireworks were banned in most major cities due to safety and pollution concerns. During his New Year address, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the country’s focus on economic recovery in 2024 and expressed a commitment to the eventual reunification of China with Taiwan.
In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, excitement was palpable as revelers gathered for a grand fireworks display at the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. The celebration extended to concerts and various events held throughout the city.
In India, thousands of revelers from Mumbai flocked to a bustling promenade to witness the sunset over the Arabian Sea, a serene and beautiful way to welcome the New Year. However, in New Delhi, concerns arose over fireworks potentially contributing to poor air quality in the capital, which has long suffered from pollution issues.
