How the world welcomed the New Year 2021

New Year's Eve and the eventual beginning of the New Year is easily the most anticipated event anywhere across the world. With the coronavirus pandemic yet to be controlled, many countries across the world imposed celebration restrictions, and some even night curfews. While 2020, may have been a year unlike any, and for many, a year to forget, the New Year celebrations offered people a sense of hope and familiarity as fireworks dotted skies all over the world.

Fireworks explode over the ancient Acropolis in Athens during the New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Credit: AFP

Fireworks explode from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, during New Year's Eve celebrations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Credit: Reuters

Confetti flies around the ball and countdown clock in Times Square during the virtual New Year's Eve event following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Credit: Reuters

Fireworks explode behind the towers of the Kremlin during New Year's Day celebrations in Moscow. Credit: Reuters

People celebrate the New Year under the lights of the Christmas tree in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: AP/PTI

New Year's Eve fireworks errupt over Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House (L) during the fireworks show. Credit: AFP

People hold balloons as they gather to celebrate the arrival of the new year during the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. Credit: Reuters

People outside an illuminated mall on the eve of the New Year in Mumbai. Credit: PTI