European cities ring in the new year | Abroad

With the sound of the clock in Belgium, the new year also started in other European cities such as Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Rome, after Oceania and Asia had already waved goodbye to 2022. Unlike the past two years, which were dominated by the pandemic, the New Year was able to be celebrated in most places without too many restrictive measures.

The Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris was completely full. There, about a million spectators attended the enormous fireworks. The spectacle could not continue for the past two years, but now again caused a crowd. The police were present en masse to ensure that the event ran smoothly and there were strict access rules.

Fireworks at the Arc De Triomphe. © Photo News

In the Netherlands, the announced fireworks ban was ignored in many places. This was the case in Rotterdam, for example, where the sound of bang fireworks could be heard en masse since the end of the afternoon. There were not many police on the street, Dutch media reported. In Amsterdam the picture was no different. Fireworks were also set off there all New Year’s Eve. Around midnight Dam Square was full of people counting down to midnight. Although occasionally fireworks were set off, it remained relatively quiet.

Fireworks enthusiasts set off fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, despite a fireworks ban.
Fireworks enthusiasts set off fireworks at the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, despite a fireworks ban. © ANP

In Edinburgh, where the new year started one hour later, there were mainly many raincoats and umbrellas on display from visitors who braved the downpours.

Fireworks in Edinburgh.
Fireworks in Edinburgh. © REUTERS

It also rained in London. More than 100,000 people celebrated New Year’s Eve in the British capital on Sunday evening with a gigantic 12-minute fireworks display in front of the iconic London Eye ferris wheel. The Queen, who died in September 2022, was also commemorated. At midnight, Big Ben chimed twelve times to ring in the new year.

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