The world rang in the New Year on Sunday with a string of spectacular firework
displays watched by millions but overshadowed by fears at what the economic
crisis in Europe could bring in 2012.
New Zealand was among the first places to see in the New Year but heavy rain
over most of the country put a damper on parties, with two major celebrations
in the North Island cancelled due to the weather.
But it was Sydney and Hong Kong that set the standard with glittering
extravaganzas, while London geared up for a firework display over the River
Thames to usher in a year in which it will host the Olympic Games.
When it was then Hong Kong's turn in the limelight with the city's harbour lit
up by a barrage of fireworks fired from several of its iconic buildings,
delighting partygoers crammed on to the waterfront and in pleasure boats.
As the clock moved through the timezones, celebrations in Dubai centred on the
Burj Dubai skyscraper, the world's tallest manmade structure, with a
pyrotechnics display even more extravagant than last year's.
In Berlin another spectacular display lit up the night sky with partying at
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate while in Paris people flocked to the
Champs-Elysees.
In Rio, two million white-clad party-goers -- Brazilians and foreign tourists
-- were expected to ring in the New Year on Copacabana beach, watching a
spectacular "green" fireworks extravaganza.
And more than a million revellers flocked to New York's Times Square to bid
farewell to the old year and watch Lady Gaga trigger the famous drop of a
crystal ball marking the start of 2012.
Here's a look at how the world ushered in the New Year.
NEW YORK, USA: Thousands of revelers gather in New York's Times Square to
celebrate the ball drop at the annual New Years Eve celebration on December 31,
2011 in New York City.
NEW YORK, USA: Singer Lady Gaga and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg kiss
each other during celebrations in the New Year Eve ball in Times Square in New
York.
NEW YORK, USA: Lady Gaga waves to the crowd during the New Year's Eve
celebration in Times Square December 31, 2011 in New York.
NEW YORK, USA: Lady Gaga kisses the ball as NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg laughs
during the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square December 31, 2011 in New
York.
NEW YORK, USA: Revellers usher in the new year at midnight during New Year's
Eve celebrations at Times Square in New York.
NEW YORK, USA: Revellers fill Times Square during a celebration to mark the
start of the new year in New York.
NEW YORK, USA: Crowds Gather For New Year's Ball Drop In Times Square on
December 31, 2011 in New York City.
NEW YORK, USA: Revellers usher in the new year at midnight during New Year's
Eve celebrations at Times Square in New York.
NEW YORK, USA: Revellers Steve Macwithey kisses Lauren Macwithey in Times
Square during a celebration to mark the start of the new year in New York.
