Fireworks crackled, crowds cheered and music blared as New Zealand welcomed in 2021, in scenes that will not be repeated anywhere else around the globe this year.
Kiwis celebrated without restrictions thanks to the country quashing coronavirus, meaning thousands of people danced, hugged and chatted to whomever they wanted as Auckland rang in 2021 with a spectacular fireworks display and light show from the Sky Tower.
Revellers told local media that it was “amazing” that they were able to celebrate despite the global pandemic that was tearing through the rest of the world. “It feels lucky but it also feels like we have earned this as well,” said one. “We have done the mahi (work).”
A group pose for pictures on the banks of the Yangtze River in Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus pandemic began a year ago
NOEL CELIS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Across the Tasman, however, a subdued Sydney’s traditional harbour fireworks
PACKED streets and wild New Year celebrations have broken out in the Chinese city of Wuhan where the Covid pandemic began — while the rest of the world is locked up at home.
A year ago today, a Covid-19 outbreak was reported in the Hubei province city, which then spread around the world and killed more than 1.8million people.
Thousands of people jam themselves into Wuhan city centre for the countdown for New Year's Day Credit: REUTERS
The Western New Year custom of hugging and kissing was observed in the Wuhan mass partyCredit: REUTERS
Many were carrying balloons to release when the clock struck 12amCredit: REUTERS
But remarkably it has not reported a new locally transmitted case of the disease since May 10 — after lifting one of the strictest lockdowns in the world seven months ago.
In scenes unimaginable in many cities around the world, Wuhan residents have tonight been thronging the street to toast the New Year.
Many gathered in front of Wuhan city hall holding balloons.
And while some were wearing masks, others either have them pulled down or were not wearing one at all.
Meanwhile young people have been crammning into nighclubs.
Some said they were being cautious, but were reportedly not worried about catching Covid.
'NO CASES SINCE MAY'
It appears as if Covid-19 never struck the city this time last year, leading to an ultra-strict shutdown.
The city of 11 million was shut off from the rest of China in a surprise overnight lockdown beginning January 23.
Roadblocks were erected and planes, trains and buses were barred from entering the city.
Almost 3,900 of China's 4,634 recorded Covid-19 deaths occurred in the industrial city.
But after the lockdown was lifted images have emerged showing hundreds of people packed shoulder-to-shoulder at a water park music festival.
The huge crowds in Wuhan went wild as 2021 was ushered in Credit: REUTERS
A police officer walks past barriers to manage the huge crowdsCredit: REUTERS
Wuhan city hall was a focal point for the celebrationsCredit: REUTERS
Police officers stand guard to control the huge numbers which flocked to the centre of the cityCredit: REUTERS
People walk on the banks of Yangtze River on New Year's Eve in 'covid free ' WuhanCredit: AFP or licensors
And when nightclubs reopened earlier this month, they were packed to the rafters.
Scientists believe that Covid-19 first originated in bats before spreading to humans in Wuhan, possibly at one of the Chinese city's so-called wet markets.
People pose for pictures on the banks of the river as they converge on the city centreCredit: AFP or licensors
Meanwhile, the youngsters have been hitting the nighclubs while the rest of the world is locked downCredit: EPA
A young woman attends a concert with her face mask pulled downCredit: EPA
In his New Year message Chinese president Xi Jinping praised the efforts of his people.
The Communist ruler said:''China has written an epic in fighting Covid-19 as the country put people and lives first and fought the epidemic with unity and perseverance.
"Greatness is forged in the ordinary. Heroes come from the people. Every person is remarkable!''
Paying tribute to medics, he added: "They pooled their drops of strength into tremendous power and built an iron wall to safeguard lives."
Compare those scenes with Wuhan in January after a strict lockdown was imposed Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Not everyone can be seen wearing a maskCredit: EPA
This venue was packed out despite the pandemic Credit: EPA
This teenage girl screams as she watches a live bandCredit: EPA
Nightspots have been open since early DecemberCredit: EPA
The first patient in China with the new coronavirus variant is a 23-year-old woman who flew into Shanghai from Britain on December 14, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control said.
It said the case "poses a great potential threat" to China's efforts to curb and control the spread of the virus.
The new strain — which experts say potentially spreads faster than the original one — has prompted travel restrictions on the UK by more than 50 countries.
This includes China, where the coronavirus first emerged late last year.
But pulling up the drawbridge appears to have failed to stop what has been dubbed as "super-Covid" arriving on its shores.
Blue and gold fireworks soared into the sky above the Sydney Opera House as they do every New Year's Eve, but the harbour below was a deserted ghost town, a fittingly creepy send-off for a year that will not be missed.
No light show was to illuminate Beijing from the top of the TV tower.
The lions of London's Trafalgar Square were barricaded off, as was Red Square in Moscow and Madrid's Puerta del Sol.
In Rome, crowds would not assemble in St Peter's, the Pope would lead no Mass, and revelers would not make their yearly dive into the Tiber.
Some cities planned, like Sydney, to launch fireworks over empty streets. Others, such as London and Singapore, just called their displays off. Paris, Rome and Istanbul were under curfew.
The New Year's Eve countdown ball was set to drop on Broadway.
But in place of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers jammed shoulder-to-shoulder in Times Square, the audience would be a pre-selected group of nurses, doctors, and other key workers, their families kept six feet apart in socially distanced pens.
These scenes in Wuhan jare a far cry from the start of 2020 when the city imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the worldCredit: Reuters
It's been almost a year since Covid-19 broke out in Wuhan, but the city claims to be clear of the virusCredit: Reuters
Officially there have been no cases of Covid since MayCredit: Reuters
People dress as medical officials and patients as they dance to celebrate Halloween in Wuhan
Traffic police lift a road blockade in Wuhan as part of a strictly enforced lockdown
Some suspect the virus leaked out of the Wuhan Institute of Virology
Medical workers in protective suits attend to Covid-19 patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated hospital in WuhanCredit: Reuters
Huge numbers of tractors can be seen building an emergency hospital during the Covid outbreak early this yearCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Wuhan nightclubs reopen for first time as rest of world locks down for Xmas
North Korea and Japan have marked the start of 2021, with millions around the world celebrating the New Year at home because of COVID-19.
From Paris to New York, many large cities are preparing for the New Year by implementing strict crowd control measures to limit the spread of coronavirus.
North Korea began 2021 with crowds in the capital Pyongyang's main square.
Image:Some commentators said the event was smaller than usual this year
A concert and fireworks show was held amid COVID-19 restrictions.
State television showed attendees wearing face masks but standing close together, waving glowing lights and balloons.
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Performers without face coverings sang and danced on a stage decorated with a large, colourful "2021" sign.
Patriotic songs with lyrics such as "glory to the general Kim Jong Un" and "I like my country the best" were prominently featured.
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Costumes included traditional Korean "hanbok" dresses, sequined dance suits and giant snowmen characters.
Some commentators said the event looked smaller than last year's.
Image:Crowds of partiers filled the main square in the North Korean capital Pyongyang
North Korea has claimed it has no confirmed cases of coronavirus, despite having tested thousands.
The government has imposed near-total border closures as one of its strict COVID-19 measures.
Japan rang in the New Year without its annual event at which Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members greet members of the public.
In Tokyo, not only were all-night trains been cancelled on New Year's Eve, but several of the city's big countdown parties, concerts and other seasonal gatherings were called off as well, including the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing party.
A bell rang at the Sensoji temple.
China is set to mark 2021 without its usual light show in the capital Beijing.
The city will hold a countdown ceremony with just a few invited guests, with other planned events canceled.
Image:People in Wuhan gathered to celebrate the arrival of the New Year
Image:Wuhan residents gathered for the countdown say they are confident it's safe to do so
In Wuhan, where the pandemic is thought to have originated, thousands have gathered at several popular landmarks across the city centre for the countdown to 2021.
Some said they were being cautious, but weren't particularly worried.
"Safety is the priority," said Wuhan resident Wang Xuemei, 23, a teacher. "It's fine because these measures aren't enforced very strictly," added her friend and colleague Wang Anyu. "You can still go out."
Sydney celebrated with a fireworks display above the Harbour Bridge, which was only watched live by those who live in the area and their guests.
The celebrated annual event normally attracts one million people, but this year Australian officials banned people from gathering near the bridge to watch due to coronavirus restrictions.
Image:New Year's Eve fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House
Image:Sydney's fireworks display was shortened to seven minutes this year
The display was shortened to seven minutes and the city precinct restricted to those with restaurant and hotel bookings.
New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said those who live in the city centre could invite up to 10 friends and family to their homes to celebrate. Guests had to apply for permits to enter the area.
Melbourne, Australia's second-most populous city, cancelled its fireworks.
The city's mayor Sally Capp said: "For the first time in many, many years we made the big decision, difficult decision to cancel the fireworks.
"We did that because we know that it attracts up to 450,000 people into the city for one moment at midnight to enjoy a spectacular display and music. We are not doing that this year."
By contrast, the west coast city of Perth - which has not had community transmission of the virus since April - celebrated the New Year with large crowds present for two fireworks spectacles.
Image: Warning signs are displayed on security fencing ahead of this year's firework display
Image:A man and woman pose for a photo in front of a 2021 sign by the Sydney Harbour waterfront
Image:A reveller holds a sign reading "2020BYE" ahead of celebrations at the Sydney Harbour waterfront
Some parts of western Russia have also started ringing in the New Year.
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Australia welcomes New Year with spectacular display
President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual message, which was available online and broadcast to each time zone at 11.45pm.
In Auckland, New Zealand, residents were treated to a five-minute fireworks and light show when the clock struck midnight.
Image:The Sky Tower was adorned with colourful animated laser displays
Image:The display in Auckland lasted five minutes
Crowds were allowed to gather in the city to mark the occasion due to the nation's low number of new coronavirus cases.
Thousands of people watched the display up close, which began at midnight from the Sky Tower.
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New Zealand sees in the New Year
The crowd cheered with excitement at 11.45pm when a man on the public address system announced: "We only have 15 minutes".
The Sky Tower has been adorned with colourful animated laser displays of geometric shapes and animals including a green gecko which appeared to be climbing down the 328m tall tower.
In one of the largest gatherings, 30,000 revellers celebrated at a three-day music festival at a winery near Gisborne on the North Island.
The Pacific Island of Tonga was the first country to mark the start of 2021 at 10am GMT.
Image:People were allowed to see Auckland's fireworks in person due to low coronavirus infection rates
Taiwan is still hosting its usual fireworks display by its capital city's iconic tower, Taipei 101.
For its annual flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Office Building on New Year's morning, attendance has been limited to government officials and invited guests.
The island has been a success story in the pandemic, registering only seven deaths and 700 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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Remember this? How world marked New Year pre-COVID
Officials in Hong Kong have cancelled the pyrotechnics over Victoria Harbour, as well as the annual iconic Lunar New Year parade in February.
This makes 2021 the second year in a row the city will miss out on the usually lavish annual celebrations.
Last year's countdown fireworks and the 2020 Lunar New Year parade were both held in much diminished form due to the threat of anti-government protests.
In Ireland, the bells of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin will not ring in the New Year for the first time in living memory and possibly in centuries.
With the entire country under the toughest COVID-19 restrictions, all New Year's Eve events were moved online.
France has mobilised 100,000 police and gendarmes to break up New Year's Eve parties and enforce a curfew from 8pm to 6am.
Half of the metro lines in Paris will also be closed in the evening to discourage gatherings.
France has had two national lockdowns and bars, restaurants and cultural attractions will remain shut into January.
The country has the largest number of COVID-19 cases in Western Europe.
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2020: A Year To Forget?
Composer and performer Jean-Michel Jarre's avatar will play a set from inside a virtual Notre Dame Cathedral while he himself performs it live at a nearby studio in the city.
In Italy, customary concerts in public plazas have been scrapped in favour of live streamed performances and art installations.
Fireworks will still go ahead in Rome, but Pope Francis will skip his typical visit to the Vatican's life-sized Nativity scene in St Peter's Square. He will deliver his New Year's Day blessing indoors.
Germany has banned the sale of fireworks and limited private gatherings to a maximum of two households and five people.
The country is in lockdown until 10 January and no celebrations are taking place in Berlin.
The Netherlands will host its usual countdown behind closed doors at a football stadium in Amsterdam as it remains in lockdown until 19 January.
Image:The Times Square ball is tested out for the media ahead of the New Year's celebration in Times Square
The Times Square ball is tested out for the media ahead of the New Year's celebration in Times Square amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandem
One of the most iconic New Year's Eve events is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York.
The ball will still be dropping this year, but the party, which usually sees hundreds of thousands cramming the famous LED-lit intersection, will be for an "extremely limited" group of socially distanced in-person "honourees".
Everyone else will need to tune in virtually or watch on TV.
There will be a performance from singer Gloria Gaynor, who will see the year off with a rendition of I Will Survive.
Fireworks have been cancelled in other US cities including San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Turkey is welcoming the new year under a four-day lockdown starting at 9pm on New Year's Eve, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that security forces will inspect hotels for illicit parties.
Australia and New Zealand are among the first countries to mark the start of 2021, with millions around the world celebrating the New Year at home because of COVID-19.
From Paris to New York, many large cities are preparing for the New Year by implementing strict crowd control measures to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Sydney celebrated with a fireworks display above the Harbour Bridge, which was only watched live by those who live in the area and their guests.
The celebrated annual event normally attracts one million people, but this year Australian officials banned people from gathering near the bridge to watch due to coronavirus restrictions.
Image:Sydney's fireworks display was shortened to seven minutes this year
The display was shortened to seven minutes and the city precinct restricted to those with restaurant and hotel bookings.
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New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said those who live in the city centre could invite up to 10 friends and family to their homes to celebrate. Guests had to apply for permits to enter the area.
Melbourne, Australia's second-most populous city, cancelled its fireworks.
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The city's mayor Sally Capp said: "For the first time in many, many years we made the big decision, difficult decision to cancel the fireworks.
"We did that because we know that it attracts up to 450,000 people into the city for one moment at midnight to enjoy a spectacular display and music. We are not doing that this year."
By contrast, the west coast city of Perth - which has not had community transmission of the virus since April - celebrated the New Year with large crowds present for two fireworks spectacles.
Image: Warning signs are displayed on security fencing ahead of this year's firework display
Image:A man and woman pose for a photo in front of a 2021 sign by the Sydney Harbour waterfront
Image:A reveller holds a sign reading "2020BYE" ahead of celebrations at the Sydney Harbour waterfront
Some parts of western Russia have also started ringing in the New Year.
President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual message, which was available online and broadcast to each time zone at 11.45pm.
In Auckland, New Zealand, residents were treated to a five-minute fireworks and light show when the clock struck midnight.
Image:The Sky Tower was adorned with colourful animated laser displays
Image:The display in Auckland lasted five minutes
Crowds were allowed to gather in the city to mark the occasion due to the nation's low number of new coronavirus cases.
Thousands of people watched the display up close, which began at midnight from the Sky Tower.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
New Zealand sees in the New Year
The crowd screamed with excitement at 11.45pm when a man on the public address system announced: "We only have 15 minutes".
The Sky Tower has been adorned with colourful animated laser displays of geometric shapes and animals including a green gecko which appeared to be climbing down the 328m tall tower.
In one of the largest gatherings, 30,000 revellers celebrated at a three-day music festival at a winery near Gisborne on the North Island.
The Pacific Island of Tonga was the first country to mark the start of 2021 at 10am GMT.
Image:People were allowed to see Auckland's fireworks in person due to low coronavirus infection rates
In Wuhan, where the pandemic is thought to have originated, thousands are expected to gather from 2.50pm GMT at several popular landmarks across the city centre for the countdown to 2021.
Some said they were being cautious, but weren't particularly worried.
"Safety is the priority," said Wuhan resident Wang Xuemei, 23, a teacher. "It's fine because these measures aren't enforced very strictly," added her friend and colleague Wang Anyu. "You can still go out."
In Tokyo, not only have all-night trains been cancelled on New Year's Eve, but several of the city's big countdown parties, concerts and other seasonal gatherings have been called off as well, including the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing party.
A bell will ring at the Sensoji temple at 3pm GMT.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Remember this? How world marked New Year pre-COVID
Officials in Hong Kong have cancelled the pyrotechnics over Victoria Harbour, as well as the annual iconic Lunar New Year parade in February.
This makes 2021 the second year in a row the city will miss out on the usually lavish annual celebrations.
Last year's countdown fireworks and the 2020 Lunar New Year parade were both held in much diminished form due to the threat of anti-government protests.
France has mobilised 100,000 police and gendarmes to break up New Year's Eve parties and enforce a curfew from 8pm.
Half of the metro lines in Paris will also be closed in the evening to discourage gatherings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
2020: A Year To Forget?
Composer and performer Jean-Michel Jarre's avatar will play a set from inside a virtual Notre Dame Cathedral while he himself performs it live at a nearby studio in the city.
One of the most iconic New Year's Eve events is the Times Square Ball Drop in New York.
The ball will still be dropping this year, but the party, which usually sees hundreds of thousands cramming the famous LED-lit intersection, will be for an "extremely limited" group of socially distanced in-person "honourees".
Everyone else will need to tune in virtually or watch on TV.
There will be a performance from singer Gloria Gaynor, who will see the year off with a rendition of I Will Survive.
