http://www.timesofearth.com/Worldnews/?NT=0&nid=31865 LONDON - Revelers across the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa, and Europe have welcomed 2011 with celebrations and fireworks displays, and crowds are already gathering across the Americas to mark the start of the new year there.
The tiny Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first to ring in 2011.
London hosted one of Europe's biggest celebrations, on the banks of London's River Thames. Around a quarter of a million people gathered to watch fireworks as the famous Big Ben at Parliament chimed in the new year.
In Dubai, the world's tallest building was awash in fireworks from the base to its needle-like spire nearly a half-mile (828-meters) above. Sparkling silver rays shot out from the Burj Khalifa in a 10-minute display.
In France, police were on alert for terror attacks and for celebrations getting out of hand. Rampaging youths typically set fire to scores of vehicles on New Year's Eve. Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said 53,820 police officers were mobilized, 6,000 more than usual.
France has been extra vigilant following threats from al-Qaida and the kidnapping of five French citizens in Niger.
As rain clouds cleared, around 50,000 people, many sporting large, brightly colored wigs, gathered in Madrid's central Puerta del Sol square to take part in Las Uvas, or The Grapes, a tradition in which people eat a grape for each of the 12 chimes of midnight. Chewing and swallowing the grapes to each tolling of a bell is supposed to bring good luck, while cheating is frowned on and revelers believe it brings misfortune.
Police had painstakingly screened all those arriving to make sure drinks and bottles were left behind to avoid injury in the crowded square, so many quickly downed their sparkling cava wine before joining the animated party.
In Scotland, the four-day Hogmanay festival began Thursday night with a torch-lit procession through the streets of Edinburgh. Around 25,000 people took part, marching to the top of a hill to watch the burning of a model Viking ship. Hogmanay is derived from the winter solstice festival celebrated by the Vikings.
For Estonia, the New Year also marked the switch from the former Soviet state's cherished kroon to the euro, becoming the 17th member state to adopt the European single currency.
Earlier on the other side of the world, New Zealanders welcomed 2011 with a spectacular firework show in Auckland and celebrations elsewhere, while in Sydney, Australia, at least 1.5 million people gathered for the annual fireworks show on the Harbour Bridge.
New Year's day comes as the world experiences extreme weather conditions, including heat waves and floods in the south Pacific.
Extreme, 43 degrees Celsius heat brought the risk of wildfires near the southern Australian city of Adelaide, while celebrations in the country's north were muted by floods that left vast swathes of land underwater and forced thousands to leave their homes.
In Seoul, South Korea, more than 80,000 people celebrated by watching a traditional bell ringing ceremony and fireworks, while North Korea on Saturday welcomed the new year with a push for better ties with its neighbor, warning that war "will bring nothing but a nuclear holocaust."
In Hong Kong, hundreds of thousands of people gathered along Victoria Harbour to watch fireworks explode from the roofs of the city's most prominent buildings.
At the Zojoji temple in central Tokyo, Japan, monks chanted as visitors packed in to count down until midnight. Thousands released a mass of silver balloons carrying notes with their hopes for the future.
And in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, fireworks formed the shape of a dragon spiralling up the tallest skyscraper.
China's president Hu Jintao addressed his country on New Year's Eve, pledging peaceful international relations while pushing for a transformation of the country's export-driven economy.
In the Philippines, safety officials urged caution after firecrackers injured at least 245 people in recent days. According to tradition, many believe noisy celebrations drive away evil and misfortune.
In Burma, however, the military government has banned all fireworks and said severe action would be taken against anyone using them.
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London Fireworks on New Year's Day 2011 - New Year Live - BBC Oneby crysis4real28,136 views
@sunderlandgrl I thumbed up for @BIGFISH7831 comment but I have changed my mind after I saw the London Fireworks!! It's magnificent!!!
don0nami 8 months ago
IT'S A SHAME THAT CANADA DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING, FUCKK!!
handsomejustin 1 year ago
i love what HK did!!!
kendel1224 1 year ago
@sunderlandgrl os kniht t'nod I
uncutfilm 1 year ago
@BIGFISH7831 Sorry, but this year it was beaten out by London :P
sunderlandgrl 1 year ago
nyce............
hunaid03313566252 1 year ago
Sydney Australia - Best event in the world (again)
BIGFISH7831 1 year ago 2
@scarlet4ever1 I SO agreee wid u!!
Hong Kong Stole DUBAI'z idea!!!! >:(
RoXy70Pup 1 year ago
noooo!! hong kong made like dubai !!!!! ...they took the idea from dubai !! cuz there is a different n the time..soo dubai made the celebration first if u want 2 be sure wrire burj khalifa celebration 2011 ..nd u will see !!!!!
scarlet4ever1 1 year ago
I LOVE HONG KONG THAT ONE! WITH A NICE BEAUTIFUL VIEW!
terryyanho 1 year ago