New Year celebrated worldwide in different ways

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-01-2009 08:53

Fireworks exploded over various cities in the eastern part of the world as they welcomed in the New Year. And in some places, television presenters counted down the final seconds before 2009. In the new year, people are praying for peace as well as a quick end to the financial crisis.

Fireworks explode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and  Opera House during a pyrotechnic show to celebrate the New Year January 1, 2009. Known for its choreographed  and themed fireworks displays, this year's show,  nicknamed "The Creation Storm", draws hundreds of  thousands of people to the harbour foreshore to watch the spectacle. [Agencies]

The new year is here for some. People celebrate the moment, and extend their new year wishes.

Fireworks are always a must for the occasion. And television hosts prepared to welcome in 2009.

Under the brightly lit Tokyo Tower in Japan, thousands of balloons flew up into the night sky and people cheered and applauded the New Year.

In warm Brazil, people discussed their new year wishes.

One Brazilian citizen said "I am asking for peace and health for my whole family, and all my relatives."

One Brazilian citizen said "I hope that everything happens peacefully, without violence, and with everyone happy so that we can take advantage of the party. This way, we can dance till morning."

Shinto priests walk past lanterns after a Shinto ritual to usher in the New Year at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo  December 31, 2008. [Agencies]

Meanwhile, falling snow and plummeting temperatures weren't enough to keep revelers away from New York's Times Square.

One reveler said "My wish is that people get their jobs back. A lot of people lost their jobs and hopefully these people get their jobs back. Hopefully these people who get their jobs back are able to pay their bills and their home. Homes are the most important and people are losing them, that's very sad to see that."

In Johannesburg, South Africa, thousands of people took to the streets in a spectacular carnival of song and dance as they bid farewell to 2008.