World says goodbye to 2010, ushers in New Year

World says goodbye to 2010, ushers in New Year

One by one, countries in Asia, Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere said goodbye to a tumultuous 2010 and welcomed 2011 in grandiose celebrations in hopes of a more upbeat world economy. New York City revelers in Times Square participated in its eagerly anticipated New Year's celebration there amid tight security. Thousands of people participated in the countdown to 2011 as the famous Waterford Cyrstal ball dropped from the top of a pole of One Times Square Building. There was no stopping New York from holding one of the most popular celebrations in the world even after it was blanketed by heavy snowfall on December 26. Many city streets have not been entirely cleared even as many revelers descended to Broadway and Seventh Avenues. Police implemented its strictest security plan since a failed bombing attempt eight months ago. Elsewhere, Las Vegas residents were treated to a grand fireworks display launched from atop seven of the city's famed casinos to welcome the new year. Celebrities Jay-Z and Coldplay led the crowd during the midnight countdown.

New Zealand and Australia were among the first to usher in the new year. Auckland's Sky Tower featured a spectacular fireworks show to the delight of crowds below. Sydney Harbor Bridge was once again illuminated in bright, colorful lights as fireworks were launched. In Hong Kong, skyscrapers from the city's skyscrapers entertained residents and visitors. Europeans were also looking forward to a more optimistic 2011, as parties in Greece, Spain and Ireland lasted well into the night and people were eager to leave behind weak economic fortunes in the past year.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Sunday January 02 2011, 4:07 AM EST. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0