Billions of revellers around world welcome 2008

Toronto News.Net
Tuesday 1st January, 2008

The world has ushered in the new 2008 year with celebrations across the globe.

Well over a million people gathered in Times Square in New York City to witness the giant 700 pound crystal ball make its one hundreth drop. A line-up of entertainment and acts headed up by Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus and others took center-stage. New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez was there, shaking hands and posing for photos waiting on the countdown to midnight.

Security restrictions resulted in a complete ban on alcohol, backpacks, and large bags.

Around a million people flocked to the city of Boston for New Year's Eve celebrations, while big events were planned in Philadelphia and other cities around the United States.

Chicago renewed its usual offer for revellers to use the transit system for fares of just a penny.

Hundreds of thousands cheered in Las Vegas on the Strip as clocks struck midnight.

In Brazil more than 4 million people welcomed the New Year on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Two million party-goers made their way to Copacabana beach alone.

In the Canadian capital, Ottawa, locals descended on Parliament Hill to set off crackers and party. For Canadians, particularly in Ottawa, it was a double celebration - the start of the New Year, and the 150th birthday of its capital.

In Australia, more than a million Sydneysiders flocked to the harbour for fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight, and a night-long celebration themed, 'the time of our lives.'

Earlier tens-of-thousands of New Zealanders spilled out over Auckland Harbour to commemorate the start of 2008, and were greeted to a spectacular fireworks display emanating from Sky Tower.

In the Philippines, fireworks dominated Metro Manila, resulting in more than 300 people being rushed to hospital for treatment of injuries caused by fireworks.

Below-zero temperatures failed to deter Shanghai residents from welcoming in the New Year. Hundreds of thousands filled temples for traditional bell-ringing, or attended parties, and fireworks displays, mirroring activities in cities and towns across China.

Similar weather hit India, but again failed to deter party-goers. Bonfires littered the countryside throughout India as fireworks exploded across the country.

Three-quarters-of-a-million people filled Trafalgar Square, and the banks of the Thames in London to mark the start of the year.

Fireworks exploded and lit up the sky at the London Eye, while hundreds of thousands cheered and eupted into Auld Lang Syne as Big Ben chimed at midnight.

In Edinburgh, more than 100,000 Scots and others spilled out on to the city streets, with around fifteen thousand gathering in Glasgow's George Square.

In Cardiff, some 30,000 people joined in the Calennig celebrations at Cardiff Castle, and thousands celebrated at an open air concert in Belfast.

Moscow's Red Square was filled with party-goers in high spirits, while hundreds of thousands of people poured on to the streets of Hong Kong and around Victoria Harbour, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Around half-a-million people turned out on the Champs Elysees as revellers cheered, sang, and honked car horns.

Pakistan was more subdued with Karachi police stemming celebrations in the wake of the assassination of former prime minister Benzir Bhutto.

Iraqis danced and sang in the streets of Baghdad, while shooting bullets into the air, and letting off fireworks, to mark the end of an horrific 2007 in which more than 18,000 civilians were killed.

In Madrid, in Spain, tens of thousands made their way to the central Puerta del Sol square for the traditional New Year celebrations, while celebrations erupted all over Italy.

Capturing the celebrations, television and radio networks around the world relayed images and commentary to billions more.

In his weekly radio address, U.S. President George W. Bush said, "My resolution for the New Year is this: to work with Congress to keep our economy growing, to keep your tax burden low, and to ensure that the money you send to Washington is spent wisely, or not at all."

President Hu Jintao of China used his New Year message to call for world peace. "We sincerely hope people of all nations live under the same blue sky freely, equally, harmoniously and happily, and enjoy the achievements in peace and development of the humankind," he said.

Japan's Prime Minister, Yasuo Fukuda, said, "At this very moment in the Indian Ocean, numerous countries are cooperating carrying on their fight against terrorism. I want Japan to be working hard for the world along with other countries as soon as possible."

Russia's President Vladimir Putin praised his people for a "national renaissance."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would press on with controversial reforms he began introducing in 2007. "Despite the obstacles, despite the difficulties, I will do what I promised to do," Sarkozy said.

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