Revelers around the world are marking the start of the new year with celebrations and fireworks displays.
The new year first reached the tiny Pacific island nation of Kiribati.
New Zealanders welcomed 2011 with a spectacular firework show in Auckland and celebrations elsewhere, while in Sydney, Australia, at least 1.5 million people gathered for the annual fireworks show on the Harbour Bridge.
Hong Kong and Taiwan also celebrated with fireworks displays.
Later, Moscow residents will gather in Red Square, and about 250,000 people will be on the banks of London’s River Thames to watch fireworks as the Big Ben clock at Parliament chimes in the new year.
One of the world’s most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place in New York City, where organizers say a million people will be in Times Square for the annual drop of a huge, sparkling ball from high above the crowd. The Waterford Crystal ball weighs 5,400 kilograms.
Source: www. voanews.com
