Pope Francis kicked off Holy Year in Rome, a rare event that only occurs once every 25 years and is anticipated to bring in millions of pilgrims. Despite a ban on fireworks, the night sky was filled with firecrackers as crowds gathered at various historic sites in Rome, including the Colosseum, where cheers erupted at midnight. The pontiff led vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica and a mass was planned for the following day. Other cities around the world, like Athens, London, Cairo, and Paris, also celebrated the start of the new year with fireworks displays and various festivities.
Paris, having recently hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics and the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, put on a televised celebration featuring musical performances and dancing. London saw similar celebrations, with crowds enjoying a light show around the London Eye and fireworks over Westminster and Big Ben. Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebrations were canceled due to inclement weather. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro was gearing up to host millions along Copacabana Beach for fireworks and live music performances.
Auckland in New Zealand was among the first cities to ring in the new year, with crowds flocking to the city center or climbing the surrounding volcanic peaks for a great view of the fireworks. The Indigenous tribes of Auckland were also acknowledged in a special light display. In Switzerland, a New Year’s Eve tradition saw swimmers taking a dip in Lake Moossee. Despite challenges posed by weather or safety concerns, many cities around the world found creative ways to celebrate the start of 2023 and welcome in the new year with hope and excitement.
Overall, the start of Holy Year in Rome set the stage for a year of spiritual reflection and pilgrimage for millions of faithful followers. The celebrations in various cities around the world showcased the diversity of cultures and traditions, as well as the universal desire to mark the passage of time and the start of a new year with joy and hope. Despite challenges and cancellations, communities found ways to come together and celebrate, whether through fireworks, music, dancing, or other forms of artistic expression. As the world officially entered 2023, there was a sense of anticipation and optimism for what the year would bring.
