As the countries around the world welcomed the arrival of 2025, people rejoiced in various ways from fireworks displays to light shows, marking the onset of the new year with spectacular celebrations.
Australia's iconic Sydney set the stage for a grand New Year's Eve extravaganza, igniting the night sky with a symphony of fireworks at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1. From the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge to the famed Sydney Opera House and the rooftops of buildings that peppered the harbor, a breathtaking display spanning seven kilometers unfolded. Over nine tons of fireworks lit up the night for 12 minutes, while drones and aerial firing platforms introduced a fresh dimension to the revelry.
"It's the nicest city in the world right now. It will be the first to go to 2025. And I wish you a happy new year to everyone," said Thibault Godard, a French tourist.
The world's tallest marvel, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, stood as a beacon of wonder, staging a traditional New Year's fireworks and light show. Over 15,600 fireworks, accompanied by 200 beams of light and lasers, bathed the Dubai skyline in a cascade of colors. As the crowd joined in a collective countdown, the Burj Khalifa emblazoned "Happy New Year" in Arabic, English, and Chinese, while brilliant fireworks cascaded around its towering frame. This year's theme, "Beyond Dreams," unfolded over nearly nine minutes, weaving together original music, lights, lasers, and fireworks into a spellbinding performance.
"There are a lot of hopes for the coming year to be even better, to see my family happy, to be successful in what I do. And as usual, for the world to be more in peace," said Ahmed, a tourist.
In Thailand, Bangkok's Menam River hosted a mesmerizing fireworks spectacle as the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1. Tens of thousands of fireworks danced across a 1,400-meter canvas of the night sky, painting a vivid tapestry that spanned five kilometers. Approximately 100,000 locals and visitors from around the world joined hands in celebration, welcoming the dawn of a new year with awe-inspiring fervor.
Global New Year celebrations light up skies
Global New Year celebrations light up skies
Global New Year celebrations light up skies
With dramyin lute and cymbals in hand and dressed in colorful traditional costume, 17-year-old Tenzin Norbu is among the proud youngsters in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region who have been helping preserve the centuries-old Tibetan opera, a multifaceted representative of Tibetan art and cultural heritage. Considered a living fossil of Tibetan culture, Tibetan opera is a comprehensive art combining folk songs, dance, storytelling, chant, acrobatics and religious performance. It was included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Tenzin grew up listening to Tibetan opera along with his grandmother. The beat of the drum marked the rhythm of his childhood and quietly planted the seed of a dream.
The teenager leads a youth Tibetan opera troupe and guides his peers onto the very stage they once only dreamed of. He named it "Phudor Youth Tibetan Opera Troupe", because "Phudor" means "dream" in the Tibetan language.
"There are about 24 members in the troupe," said the teenager.
Tenzin once received a very special invitation to perform Tibetan opera for the opening ceremony of an art festival in Lhasa.
Although both their parents and teachers felt it's important for the children to be exposed to traditional culture from a young age, they didn't want it to affect their schoolwork.
The performance they were getting ready for was the first Sweet Tea House Art Festival, the troupe's very first public appearance. It's a rare opportunity for the children -- one too precious for them to pass up. But with their parents growing anxious about preparation for the performance eating into valuable study time, the children opted to rehearse in secret at weekends. Tenzin's family runs a tailor's shop. His father, who is hearing- and speech-impaired, is a superb tailor, while his mother helps him out by dealing with customers. Tenzin enjoyed Tibetan opera with his grandmother during childhood and later learned more about it from his uncle.
"Whenever I'm not feeling good, I'll take out the dramyin lute and the cymbals. When I hear the drumbeat, I get a feeling of elation that's simply indescribable," he said.
When Tenzin finally stepped onto the stage at the festival, he noticed that his parents were not in the audience. "My parents didn't have time to come to see my performance. But they always support me. They work hard every day, also for my sake. So, I'm happy whether they were here or not as long as I can keep performing Tibetan opera," said the youngster, believing that his passion for Tibetan opera will last a lifetime.
Childhood dream takes local boy onto Tibetan opera stage
