More than half a day before Germany, people in the South Pacific were able to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The inhabitants of the island of Kiritimati, which is part of the Kiribati archipelago, were the first in the world to start the new year at 11 a.m. German time. As the night progresses, more and more people around the world toast to 2023.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
(Photo: Hasnoor Hussain/Reuters)
Horns greet residents of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2023.
Huian, China.
(Photo: AFP)
Spectacular lights appear over the Xiyou theme and amusement park in the east China city of Huaian to mark the start of the new year.
Bangkok, Thailand.
(Photo: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)
The fireworks to start the new year are reflected in the water of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rizal Park in Manila.
(Photo: Jam Sta Rosa/AFP)
In the center of the capital of the Philippines, Manila, fireworks go off over Rizal Park.
Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.
(Photo: Tyrone Siu/Reuters)
Hong Kong marks the start of 2023 with an unusual fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
Seoul, South Korea.
(Photo: Lee Jin-man/AP)
In South Korea’s capital Seoul, the Bosingak bell is rung 33 times at midnight to welcome the new year – while people use their smartphones to create an impressive backdrop of light in front of the Bosingak pavilion.
Taipei 101 skyscraper.
(Photo: Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Fireworks light up the Taipei Financial Center 101 skyscraper in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, at midnight.
Jakarta, Indonesia.
(Photo: Achmad Ibrahim/AP)
Jakarta, Indonesia: People gather in one of the squares in the city before the start of the new year.
Sydney, Australia.
(Photo: Bianca De Marchi/dpa)
At 2 p.m. German time, the fireworks started in the Australian metropolis of Sydney over the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. A million people were expected to see the light show in front of the famous backdrop. A rainbow waterfall was the focus of the show of eight tons of fireworks – in the run-up to the festival World Pridewhich launches in February in the city.
Auckland, New Zealand.
(Photo: dpa)
In New Zealand, where most events were canceled last year due to Corona, firecrackers were shot into the sky again for the first time. The highlight is the fireworks from the Sky Tower in Auckland.