How 2022 was welcomed around the world

With concerns about a third wave of COVID-19 rising alarmingly all over the world, New Year’s celebrations around the world were pulled down a notch in 2022. However, people around the world still rejoiced and welcomed the new year, keeping health and safety precautions in mind. Read on to learn how different countries celebrated the new year in their own unique ways. 

New York, USA 
New York’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration is a classic, and remained so this year as well. Close to 15,000 people gathered at the famous Times Square to witness the traditional ball drop. On an average celebration, generally tens of thousands of New Yorkers celebrate the new year here. However, the number was significantly scaled down this year due to the spread of Omicron. It was compulsory for the attendees to be fully vaccinated and masked.  

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa lit up this time again wishing everyone a Happy New Year. The extravagant show included a massive firework display and a laser show at a nearby water fountain as well. People all around Dubai were able to witness the mesmerising projected show and message as a result of the towering height of the skyscraper. 

Paris, France 
Even with the alarming spread of Omicron throughout France, muted celebrations took place in the country’s shining capital with mandatory masking and social distancing. The Eiffel Tower sparkled beautifully at the strike of 12 am to mark the beginning of 2022. People also gathered around the Champs Elysees avenue, one of the most popular streets of Paris, to celebrate together.  

London, United Kingdom 
Celebrations in the capital of the UK took place near its modern architectural showstopper, The Shard. It included a countdown to midnight and a wonderful display of fireworks over the city’s iconic Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It also included a monologue which highlighted some of UK’s top achievements over the past year.  

Sydney, Australia 
The beginning of 2022 was celebrated with great pomp and joy at Sydney’s Opera House over the Harbour bridge. It was reported that almost 6 tonnes of fireworks gloriously erupted in the city’s skies. To ensure Covid precautions, the number of spectators allowed to gather at some of the city’s hotspots were limited, with ticketed entry.