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North Korea still has fireworks to celebrate the new year 2021 – Screenshot
North Korea
Contrary to South Korea, North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, is full of music festivals and fireworks displays. The country continues to celebrate the New Year despite imposing restrictions on the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Years Music Festival in Pyongyang, North Korea with a large crowd present – Screenshot
Images on North Korean national television showed Pyongyang New Year’s Eve participants wearing masks but standing close together in Kim Nhat Thanh Square.
Pyongyang has decorated a large concert stage to celebrate New Year 2021, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display that many people were waiting for.
South Korea
In South Korea, the government has closed the beach in the city of Gangueng, located on the East Sea. Gangueng beaches are traditionally known for seeing the first sunrise of the new year.
The streets of Seoul are empty on the last night of 2020 – Photo: REUTERS
Meanwhile, the Bosingak bell ceremony in Seoul was also canceled for the first time since 1953. However, people can still witness the “virtual” Bosingak ceremony on the city’s website.
South Korea still imposes strict restrictions to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.
Japan
The timing of New Year’s Eve in Japan this year was incomplete due to bad weather and COVID-19. Many events here have been canceled and public services have been minimized.
Praying at Zojoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan, on New Year’s Eve – Photo: AFP
The Imperial Japanese internal affairs agency canceled the New Year’s celebration on February 1 due to the epidemic. In this ceremony, Emperor Naruhito and members of the royal family will receive New Year’s wishes from the people.
Shrines in Japan also urge people not to come to pray on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
People queue up to pray on New Years Eve at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan – Photo: AFP
East Japan Railway Company and Tokyo Metro canceled additional tram services in Tokyo from the end of December 31 to January 1. Meanwhile, snow has covered many parts of Japan, causing about 140 flights to be canceled and traffic disrupted.
Australia
Australia this year will no longer see lively people watching the fireworks in the harbor area near the Sydney Opera House, Sydney.
Fireworks light up the sky over Sydney, Australia, on New Years Eve 2021 – Source: CNA
Due to the pandemic, the areas near the port were blocked, the famous parks were also closed. The local government only allows people to go to some strictly supervised areas.
Fireworks shows are also allowed, but are limited to 7 minutes.
Fireworks in the harbor area near the Sydney Opera House, Sydney – Photo: REUTERS
Australians can only welcome the New Year in a limited number of areas – Photo: REUTERS
New Zealand
New Zealand’s New Years Eve takes place at 6 p.m. on December 31 in Vietnam. Some places like Auckland City and Auckland City Tauranga have started their New Years fireworks display.
Sky Tower Laser Lighting Festival, Auckland City, New Zealand – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
The city of Auckland also hosts a laser light show at the iconic Sky Tower.
New Zealanders can still ring in the new year as usual as the country successfully brought the virus under control after 7 weeks of strict lockdown.
New Zealanders welcome New Years Eve at Sky Tower, Auckland City, New Zealand – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
New Zealanders watch fireworks in the city of Tauranga – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
New Zealanders prepare to welcome the New Year in Silo Park, Auckland – Photo: NEW ZEALAND HERALD
Easter Island (Kiritimati), Samoa and Tonga are the first places to welcome the year 2021. New Year’s Eve in these places is exactly at 17:00 on 12/31 Vietnam.
However, these places do not have special congratulatory activities. Instead, the world’s first New Year’s Eve event in 2021 will be the New Zealand celebrations.
* Youth Online continues to update
