Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts

A few hours earlier, more than a million people had already celebrated New Year's Eve around Sydney Harbour and admired how eight tons of fireworks conjured up a colourful spectacle in the night sky. Cities such as Auckland, Hong Kong, Manila and Jakarta, as well as London, Paris and Berlin, also kicked off 2024 with a huge fireworks display. At the Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, the twelve-minute fireworks display was accompanied by live orchestral music.

In the UK, the turn of the year also marked an anniversary: one hundred years ago, the BBC broadcast the ringing of the Big Ben bell at Westminster Palace in London live for the first time at the turn of the year, thus establishing a tradition.

In Denmark, the popular Queen Margrethe II, the longest-serving monarch in Europe, used her New Year's address broadcast on New Year's Eve to announce her abdication. The 83-year-old intends to pass on the royal crown to her 55-year-old son Frederik on January 14, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne.

The past year was dominated by many crises around the world. The Gaza war broke out at the beginning of October with the Hamas attack on Israel, and Russia continued its war of aggression against Ukraine.

On Sunday, Pope Francis prayed for the victims of conflicts around the world. "At the end of the year, have the courage to ask how many lives have been destroyed in armed conflicts," said the 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church at the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square. "And how much destruction, how much suffering, how much poverty? Whoever has an interest in these conflicts, listen to the voice of conscience."

In many countries, people will also have to contend with a significant rise in the cost of living in 2023. The effects of advancing climate change were reflected, among other things, in the fact that 2023 was the hottest year worldwide since weather records began and there were once again many climate-related extreme weather events such as heatwaves and flooding.

The coming year will be dominated by many important elections. Around half of the world's citizens will be called upon to vote in 2024. The EU parliamentary elections will take place at the beginning of June, while elections will also be held in India, the world's most populous country since 2023, as well as in Russia, the UK, Indonesia, South Africa, Mexico, Venezuela and other countries.

The presidential election in the USA at the beginning of November will attract particular interest. There, the 81-year-old Democrat Joe Biden is fighting for re-election, but a return of the Republican Donald Trump to the White House does not seem out of the question.

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The fireworks in Auckland were just as spectacular, illuminating the New Zealand sky with vibrant colors. In London, the Big Ben bell rang once again at the turn of the year, echoing through Great Britain. Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana was ablaze with fireworks, accompanied by lively orchestral music. The time square in New York City also joined the celebrations, over shadowed by the turning of the year.

In Berlin, people gathered to witness the annual fireworks display, while in Paris, the Eiffel Tower sparkled with lights. Hong Kong celebrated the new year with a grand display, and even cities as far as Jakarta and Manila participated in the global celebration, setting off fireworks into the night sky.

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication in her New Year's Eve address, looking forward to her son's upcoming coronation. In 2024, conflicts continued to overshadow celebrations, with Russia continuing its war in Ukraine and the ongoing Gaza war causing concern.

Pope Francis prayed for peace and an end to armed conflicts around the world, urging world leaders to listen to their conscience. The cost of living in many countries also increased significantly, causing financial strain for many people.

The upcoming year will see important elections in various countries, including the EU parliamentary elections, Russian elections, and the highly anticipated presidential election in the USA. The turn of the year also marked another milestone for the BBC, as they broadcast the Big Ben bell ringing live for the 100th time.

California, Australia, and other parts of the world faced major wildfires, showcasing the effects of climate change on the planet. In India, extreme heatwaves affected thousands, while flooding occurred in various parts of Europe. The coming year promised to bring new challenges, but also opportunities for change.

In New Zealand, Auckland hosted a major concert to ring in the new year, while in London, Westminster held its traditional fireworks display. Meanwhile, in Paris, the annual New Year's Eve party at the Champs-Élysées drew crowds of people.

As the clock struck midnight and the new year began, reaffirmations of peace and unity were made around the world. The BBC's coverage of the celebrations included stories from various countries, highlighting the common desire for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

In the Philippines, the country celebrated the new year with traditional food and festivities, while in Russia, people gathered in Red Square to watch the fireworks display. Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, held a grand concert to ring in the new year, attracting thousands of people.

In South Africa, the tradition of jumping the bonfire continued, as people burned away their old problems and celebrated the start of a new year. The celebrations in Mexico were filled with vibrant music and dance, while the annual New Year's Eve party in Venice saw people gather by the Grand Canal to witness the spectacular fireworks display.

From copacabana to times square, the world rang in the new year with joy and hope, overcoming the challenges of the previous year and looking forward to the opportunities that lay ahead. The BBC covered the celebrations live, highlighting the unity and common hope that transcended borders and cultures.

Source: www.stern.de