![Fireworks are seen over Victoria Harbour at midnight in Hong Kong. [Anthony Kwan/AP Photo]](http://edgesd43.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AP22365647645725-759x500.webp)
Elliot Chong / Staff reporter
New year celebrations swept around the world, ushering in 2023 with fireworks and countdowns. 2022 has been a difficult year for many around the world, bringing the war in Europe, inflation, concerns about climate change, higher interest rates and a new chapter in the British monarchy.
The new year began in the tiny nation of Kiribati in the central Pacific, then Russia and New Zealand before heading through Asia and Europe and into the Americas.
The ball dropped in New York City’s Times Square as massive crowds counted down the seconds to 2023. Confetti was glistening in the sky with giant screens and neon lights flashing.
“2023 is about resurgence — resurgence of the world after COVID-19 and after the war in Ukraine. We want it to end,” said Arjun Singh as he took part in the celebration at Times Square.
There are also no pandemic restrictions this year, so partiers were ready to celebrate. It was the first Times Square gathering without restrictions since 2019.
“It’s raining but it’s still fine throughout here. We’re here to have a good time,” a person said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a short New Year’s speech to give thanks to the country.
“This year also had challenges, but when things got hard, we were there for each other … We have been there to support the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend their country.”
Canadians rang in the New Year with parties, fireworks and a lot of rain. Newfoundland was the first province to welcome 2023, with the official fireworks display in St. John’s.
More than one million people crowded the harbor in Sydney, Australia. The police issued an advisory to the public that only people with tickets should attend celebrations because
It was the “party Sydney deserves,” the city’s producer of major events and festivals, said Stephen Gilby to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Canadian Governor General Mary Simon urged Canadians to head into 2023 with hope, despite the “difficult and monumental” challenges they faced in 2022. “We can build a more inclusive country. We can talk to each other — to better understand each other and respect our different views,” she said in a video statement, on Friday morning.
On the last day of the year, many Ukrainians returned to the capital Kyiv to spend New Year’s Eve with their families. As Russian attacks continue to target power supplies, leaving millions without electricity, no big celebrations are planned and a curfew will be in place. But for most Ukrainians, being with their loved ones is the most important thing of all.
The new year is a time when people make resolutions, approaching the next 12 months with hope and optimism.
Sources for the article:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/new-years-eve-2022-1.6700653
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-64137996
https://www.theifp.ca/opinion-story/10829453-new-year-brings-new-hope-for-our-province/
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/1/1/photos-new-year-2023-celebrations-around-the-world
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/new-years-eve-times-square-2023/