New Zealand, Australia, and surrounding Pacific Islands were among the first places to ring in 2018 with fireworks displays, parties, and other festivities. Nearly 1.5 million people gathered to watch a rainbow fireworks display above Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge and opera house.
New Year Celebrations around the World
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Fireworks light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House during new year celebrations on Sydney Harbour, Australia, Jan. 1, 2018.
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Women wearing black clothing and face masks with radioactivity sign march under umbrellas in Minsk, Belarus, to commemorate the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on the 35th anniversary of the tragedy.
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Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate the New Year, Jan. 1, 2018.
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Fireworks explode from the Taipei 101 building during the New Year's celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 1, 2018.