In many countries, traditional holiday celebrations have been postponed due to the pandemic.
As every year, the skies above the Sydney Opera House are lit up with blue and gold lights, but this time the piers are surprisingly deserted. All over the world, the difficult year ahead is seen in a sense of constraints and precautions.
The TV tower in Beijing did not have a traditional lighting display. Trafalgar Square in London, Red Square in Moscow, and Puerto del Sol Square in Madrid are closed. In st. Peter’s Square in Rome, there is no ordinary population of celebrants; The Pope will not hold a festive mass, the traditional New Year’s sweaters into the Tevere have also been abandoned.
Some cities, such as Sydney, have decided to launch fireworks across empty streets. Others, such as London and Paris, have completely switched off their fireworks. There are invitations in Paris, Rome and Istanbul.
In New York, the traditional balloon landing takes place at midnight. However, instead of the usual population of thousands in Times Square, a small group of health workers and other key industry workers will gather, who need to keep a close eye on the social pace.
Since the New Year last year, 82 million people have been infected worldwide, and more than 1.7 million have died. While vaccines are coming out in hopes of positive changes, the year will end on a very gloomy note. This was announced in her 16th speech at the New Year by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“I can say without doing too much: the last 15 years have never been more difficult. And we have never looked at the year ahead with such optimism, despite the hustle and bustle, ”she said.
Germany has banned the sale of fireworks to avoid crowding on the streets. Authorities in Berlin are warning that violators will be punished.
In the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic began a year ago, thousands of people gather on the streets to spend the rest of the year. People are careful but not particularly anxious.
In Australia, where fireworks kick off New Year’s celebrations around the world, major events are banned, and outside borders are closed. Sydney city center is closed.
In North Korea, the virus did not prevent festival events. State-run channels show masked people gather in Pyongyang’s main square to see a concert and fireworks display.
On Puerto del Sol Square in Madrid, where Spaniards usually count down the last few seconds to midnight, eating grape for a stroke every hour, obstacles were imposed.
In the UK, restrictions have been tightened as a result of a new, more contagious coronavirus strain. Advertising banners across the city call for the celebration of the New Year at home.
In Italy, bars and restaurants are closed, and curfews are in operation from 10pm.
In France, no more than six people can gather at the Christmas table. The elite A la Ville de Rodez gastronomic shop in Paris offers sets of foie gras, truffles, and pates to customers for two or three so that citizens can enjoy home-made ingredients without breaking the bar the rules.
