(CLO) As 2024 draws to a close, countries around the world are preparing for the hopeful moment of transition from the old year to the new year 2025. Although each place has its own way of welcoming, they all share the same spirit: hope and joy. Major cities from Asia, Europe to America are actively preparing for grand festivals, brilliant fireworks displays and vibrant street parties.
There is no denying that 2024 is a challenging year with many major changes. The world is still facing overlapping crises from armed conflicts, energy crises, financial crises and climate issues. Prolonged conflicts, especially the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, have caused far-reaching impacts, affecting millions of people.
The year 2024 also witnessed tragic events such as natural disasters, typically violent storms such as Super Typhoon Yagi, Milton... as well as unfortunate accidents, notably horrific plane crashes that took hundreds of lives. From floods, earthquakes to catastrophic traffic accidents, these tragedies have left the whole world heartbroken.
Besides, there are protests and riots in many places, plunging many countries into a state of crisis and instability, for example, protests due to martial law in South Korea...
But as 2024 draws to a close, glimmers of hope still shine through in New Year celebrations, as people place their faith in a brighter future. That is why the moment of New Year’s Eve 2025 becomes extremely meaningful, a time for people to look back on the past, while hoping for a new year with positive opportunities and changes.
Fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Photo: X/cityofsydney
As the first place in the world to welcome the new year 2025, Kiritimati Island in the Pacific nation of Kiribati welcomed the new year very early (5pm Vietnam time). Known as "the first land to touch the new year", Kiritimati is one of the prominent destinations in the New Year's Eve 2025 festivals. People here organize community activities with brilliant fireworks displays, celebrating the beginning of a new year full of hope.
Following Kiritimati, Samoa is also one of the first countries to welcome the new year 2025. Despite its small size, Samoa is famous for its lively street festivals and all-night parties. While the people are having fun, churches hold ceremonies to honor the new year, reflecting the local culture.
An hour after Kiritimati welcomed the new year, New Zealand, with Auckland city, was one of the next hot spots on the New Year's Eve map. The spectacular fireworks display at the Sky Tower was one of the highlights not to be missed. New Zealanders welcomed the New Year 2025 with outdoor parties, where people immersed themselves in the joyful and warm atmosphere despite the winter that had enveloped the country.
Fireworks light up the sky over Auckland, New Zealand as we welcome 2025. Photo: Social Network
Along with New Zealand, Australia is also one of the first places to celebrate the New Year. At 8:00 p.m. (Vietnam time), Australia officially entered the new year 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display at Sydney Harbor. Australia welcomed 2025 with hope as bright as the fireworks display in the sky above Sydney Harbor.
This is one of the New Year's Eve events watched live by millions of people from all over the world, as a dazzling fireworks display lights up the night sky.
Fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Photo: X/cityofsydney
In Asia, Japan will be the first country to welcome 2025. According to the lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the Snake, so Japanese stores are selling mascots related to this animal. Before the country's biggest holiday, temples in Japan, as well as shops and offices, are closed to clean up and prepare for the new year. People believe that the upcoming Year of the Snake will bring about a sense of rebirth.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, the New Year's atmosphere was more subdued than usual as the country was in a period of national mourning following the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people on December 29. Many New Year's activities were curtailed or canceled.
On the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a positive New Year message about the country's sluggish economy. "Currently, economic activity is facing some new situations, challenges from the instability of the external environment and pressure to shift from old growth drivers to new ones, but we can overcome them with hard work," Xi said.
Europe will welcome the new year 2025 early tomorrow morning Vietnam time with many special events. Italy will kick off the holy year with a New Year's Eve festival in Rome, combined with a prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica presided over by Pope Francis.
Paris, the French city of light, will close 2024 with a countdown and sparkling fireworks on the Champs-Elysées, one of the must-see destinations on this occasion.
In London, the capital of England, people will welcome the new year with a stunning fireworks display along the River Thames and a vibrant parade through the city centre at the start of the new year.
In the Americas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will host a massive party at Copacabana Beach that is expected to attract more than 2 million people, while New York is famous for its crystal ball drop in Times Square. This year's celebration will feature musical performances from artists such as TLC, the Jonas Brothers, Rita Ora and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Despite the cold and rainy weather, the party is still expected to attract thousands of people to the vibrant neighborhoods around the city.
Las Vegas is no less exciting, with an eight-minute fireworks display over the Las Vegas Strip expected to draw more than 340,000 people. A special countdown at the Sphere, a new landmark in the city, will be the highlight of the festival.
As 2024 draws to a close, the world looks to 2025 with hope and aspiration for a brighter future. Despite the global challenges facing us, from climate change, conflict to economic crisis, each country and community finds its own way to enter the new year.
New Year's Eve activities are not only an occasion for people to gather and have fun, but also a symbol of solidarity and determination to overcome all difficulties. With traditional rituals, brilliant fireworks and positive messages, the world is preparing to welcome 2025, opening a new journey full of promise, hope and dreams for a peaceful and sustainable future.
Ngoc Anh
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/the-gioi-han-hoan-buoc-sang-nam-moi-2025-post328430.html
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