Corona New Year’s Eve in the world: Wuhan celebrated as if nothing had happened – politics abroad

The world celebrates an unforgettable public farewell …

Practically all of 2020 was under the influence of the Corona pandemic. The virus, which is believed to have spread around the world from China, created the mood for Christmas – now also a largely fireworks-free New Year’s Eve.

The first countries already saw the start of the year: Australia, New Zealand and Thailand, among others, celebrated a “Happy New Year”.

Wuhan

The New Year was also welcomed in the cities of Hong Kong and Wuhan, China. Thousands gathered in Wuhan, the alleged source of the epidemic, and celebrated the start of the year by raising balloons in the night sky – as if nothing had happened.

More fireworks than usual in Greece

In Greece, the start of the year was celebrated nationwide with massive fireworks – there was a lot more roar than before. Greek media reported “one of the most spectacular fireworks displays of all time”. New Year’s Eve fireworks are not as common in Greece as they are in Germany. The Greeks traditionally play cards on New Year’s Eve. Due to the coronavirus ban this year, cities, municipalities and regions are competing for each other in terms of fireworks. In the greater Athens region and in Piraeus in particular, huge fireworks rose into the sky, chasing people from balconies and rooftop terraces.

Dubai promises to showcase the tallest building in the world in 2021

Dubai welcomed the New Year with colorful fireworks and a laser show on the tallest building in the world. After the traditional digital countdown to the illuminated facade of the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa in the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the horizon was lit up with hues at midnight. With the words “commitment”, “courage” and “solidarity” as well as “Thank you to our heroes”, the laser show thanked everyone who worked in the field of medical care in 2020 and in other ways in combating the spread of the Coronavirus. .

Moscow

With fireworks, but a lot of limitations: Moscow welcomes 2021

Russia started the new year under the impression of soaring Corona death rates. In the capital, Moscow, traditional fireworks were displayed near the Kremlin at midnight. Other than that, New Year’s Eve in Europe’s largest city was marked by the restrictions of Corona: bars and restaurants have been closed since 11 pm, as well as ice rinks. The security forces must prevent excessive crowds from flowing into Red Square. Mayor Serge Sobyanin has urged Muscovites to celebrate the popular New Year’s Day this year with close family members.

Australia

Samoa was the first country to slide down

Countries around the world slipped into the new year between 11am German time on December 31 and 1pm German time on January 1. It started on the island of Samoa, then New Zealand and Australia kicked off the new year with fireworks. Because New Zealand defeated the Coronavirus, people were allowed to watch without masks. There was a seven-minute scene in Sydney where people were not allowed.

There is no party in Copacabana

1.1, 4 am: In Brazil, the traditional New Year’s Eve party with fireworks and concerts in Rio de Janeiro in Copacabana has been canceled. The Copacabana area will be closed and only accessible to residents in order to prevent congestion. Fireworks are also prohibited along the beaches, including hotels.

1.1. , 6 am: New York Despite everything, you don’t have to do without the popular “Ball Drop” game in Times Square this year. As always, the shiny crystal ball is lowered from the flagpole at midnight. Instead of hundreds of thousands, only a few hundred people are allowed to watch live. Millions will only watch TV.