Across various time zones, the world lit up with brilliant celebrations as midnight struck to greet 2025 with cheers fireworks, and rich cultural events. From the energetic streets of New York City to the silent temples of Sri Lanka, the entire world has its own different way of starting the New Year. So how the entire world is celebrating New Year 2025? Let’s take a tour through these dazzling celebrations which united humanity for a moment in joy and hope.
New Year 2025 Celebrations Acorss All Continents in the World
Asia
Japan
In Japan, New Year’s is more of a festival to celebrate and remember. Many throng temples and shrines to practice Hatsumode, or the first shrine visit of the year. The family comes together to share specific dishes such as Osechi Ryori. This is pre-cooked before the holiday, allowing for an uninterrupted rest over the holiday season. Celebrations marking the new Year of the Snake were felt all over the country.
China
While the Lunar New Year is China’s main New Year celebration, the Gregorian New Year is also celebrated, especially in the cities. The light shows and fireworks were put up in Beijing and Shanghai. China and Russia exchanged pleasantries as part of diplomatic goodwill, showing closer ties.
South Korea
In South Korea, the Gregorian New Year is celebrated in conjunction with the traditional Lunar New Year. This year, celebrations were subdued in respect to a recent plane crash tragedy, with many opting for quiet family gatherings and memorial services.
Europe
France
Paris, the “City of Light,” lit up the sky with spectacular fireworks at Champs-Elysées. It was a night of celebration since the city had just hosted a successful Summer Olympics, and all the excitement just added to it.
Germany
In Germany, New Year’s Eve, or “Silvester,” is traditionally celebrated with fireworks and gatherings. This year, however, was marked by several incidents, including accidents with fireworks and attacks on emergency personnel, with casualties and deaths. In Berlin, 330 people were arrested, and 13 police officers were injured, sparking debates on public safety in the course of celebrations.
United Kingdom
London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are globally celebrated. Although wind gusts were at 75 mph, coupled with torrential rain, the city still staged its event above the London Eye and Big Ben. It had a lot to contend with though as revellers broke through the barriers to flood the roads causing scenes of absolute chaos and severe travel chaos for those in attendance.
North America
United States
New York City’s Times Square is the synonym for New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year, revelers braved heavy rain to witness the iconic ball drop, a tradition that dates back over a century. The event featured performances from artists like TLC and the Jonas Brothers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Canada
In Canada, New Year’s traditions differ from region to region. In Quebec, for example, the French-Canadian meat pie called Tourtière is a staple during festive occasions, symbolizing warmth and community.
South America
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. Millions, dressed in white to symbolize peace, gathered to enjoy concerts by renowned Brazilian artists and a breathtaking fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean.
Oceania
Australia
Sydney is one of the first major cities to welcome New Year, and it does it in style. More than a million people stood at Sydney Harbour to enjoy the spectacular fireworks launched from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The event included Indigenous ceremonies in honor of rich cultural heritage of the land.
New Zealand
New Year’s Eve saw Auckland’s Sky Tower host fireworks that lit up the night sky. Notably, New Zealand was one of the first countries to welcome the New Year and set a bright tone for the rest of the world. THE SUN
Africa
South Africa
In South Africa, New Year’s Eve is marked by parties, fireworks, and merriment. Cape Town and Johannesburg host significant events, making it culturally rich due to the versatility of the unique aspects of music, dance, and cuisine that characterize the country.
Antarctica
Even in Antarctica, that seemingly remote ice continent, New Year’s Day does have significance. Each year, the ceremonial South Pole marker is reset at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station to take into account the moving polar ice cap, meaning this is as fresh a start as it gets in the literal sense.
New Year 2025 celebrations around the world highlight the rich tapestry of human culture, with each country adding its unique thread. From fireworks illuminating iconic landmarks to traditional foods symbolizing prosperity, these festivities reflect both global unity and cultural diversity as we step into 2025.
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