(STACKER) – Thousands of years ago—the second century B.C., to be precise—folks in Liuyang, China, began using the precursor to modern-day fireworks. People would throw bamboo sticks into a fire, believing the subsequent explosion (caused by overheated air pockets) warded off evil spirits. Thousands of years later, a Chinese scientist improved upon these rudimentary explosives by combining several substances to create the first gunpowder. The powder was stuffed inside bamboo stalks or paper tubes to create louder, more effective explosions.
By the 15th century, fireworks were used widely around the world for celebrations and religious festivals. Today, we use them for all sorts of occasions, from independence days to Olympic opening ceremonies. But one of the biggest days of the year for fireworks displays is New Year’s Eve.
While we may no longer set off explosives to scare away evil spirits, many countries around the world still put on massive, sanctioned shows as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Stacker rounded up a collection of images of some of the best fireworks displays around the world.
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Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia—one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year—has been putting on a massive fireworks display over the Sydney Harbor Bridge since 1976. Eight tons of fireworks, which cost around $7 million, are set off over the course of two shows, one at 9 p.m. and one at midnight.
Mumbai, India
The massive 2020 fireworks display at the Gateway of India in Mumbai was intended to put the Indian city on the map as one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. In addition to the stunning fireworks display, the event featured cultural performances, lasers, and a sound and light show.
Bangkok
Revelers can watch Bangkok’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show from cruise boats on the Cho Phyara River. Many vessels ensure the new year kicks off memorably with buffet dinners, free-flowing drinks, and onboard entertainment.
Reykjavik, Iceland
While many countries put on a handful of professionally produced fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, Iceland actually turns into a fireworks show. The country’s search and rescue team sells fireworks as a fundraiser; so many people buy them that the skies are lit up from 8 p.m. until well after midnight.
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Athens, Greece
In Athens, the new year can be welcomed at one of the world’s oldest archaeological sites: the Ancient Acropolis. Here, visitors can enjoy the unrivaled experience of celebrating what’s to come while being surrounded by the literal history that brought us to this moment.
Berlin
The New Year’s Eve festival at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is one of the largest open-air NYE celebrations in the world. The midnight fireworks show has historically been one of its main features, however, fireworks have been canceled this year.
Rome
Ancient Romans believed that if they spent the first day of the new year in a happy and pleasant manner, the rest of the year would follow along in the same way. Modern Romans continue this superstition by throwing massive parties with elaborate fireworks displays every New Year’s Eve.
Prague
The highlight of New Year’s Eve festivities in Prague is the massive fireworks display set off over the old city. Thousands of revelers gather along the Vltava River and in the Old Town Square to get the best views of the explosive show.
Paris
Paris hasn’t traditionally put on a sanctioned fireworks display on New Year’s Eve (with a handful of exceptions), opting for a lights show instead. However, the French metropolis seems to be changing its tune on the matter, with fireworks shows at the Arc de Triomphe taking place with increasing frequency over recent years.
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Dubai, UAE
Over the years, Dubai has set numerous world records with its fireworks shows. These world-renowned displays are set around the city and often incorporate major landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa tower, as part of the show.
London, England
Since 2003, London has been hosting extravagant fireworks shows over the Thames river. The event is so popular that the city now sells tickets to the prime viewing areas, limiting attendance to just over 100,000 revelers.
Edinburgh, Scotland
In Scotland, New Year’s Eve—or Hogmanay—is a properly organized festival lasting several days that includes street parties, concerts, and torchlight processions. The fireworks display, which erupts over Calton Hill in Edinburgh, is one of the crown jewels of the event.
Rio de Janeiro
One of the longest New Year’s Eve fireworks shows in the world, the Rio de Janeiro display lasts for almost 20 minutes. Almost 3 million people crowd Copacabana beach each year to party and watch the stunning show.
New York
Arguably one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve traditions is the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Since 1907, the ball has been helping folks the world over ring in the new year, with fireworks erupting over the crowds and skyscrapers the minute the clock hits midnight.
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