Global Celebrations Mark End of 2024
As the clock struck midnight, revellers across the world bid farewell to a year marked by Olympic glory, a dramatic Donald Trump return, and turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine. The year 2024 has been marked by devastating climate-fuelled disasters, with 2024 on course to be the hottest year on record.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
In Rio de Janeiro, over 2.5 million people packed Copacabana Beach to watch a spectacular fireworks display and dance to the rhythms of Anitta and other Brazilian artists. In Paris, more than a million visitors flocked to the city, with Florence Coret remarking, "It’s been a rather complicated year, but at the same time you always have to look at the positive side of things. So it’s nice to end the year here."
Global Events Cancellation
In London, thousands of people lined the banks of the River Thames for a firework extravaganza, while bad weather forced the cancellation of events in other cities, including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party. In Georgia, pro-European Georgians marked the New Year by setting off fireworks at month-long rallies against a ruling party accused of being under Russia’s influence.
Middle East and Ukraine
In the Middle East, Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, Israel marched into southern Lebanon, and doctored electronics exploded in a wave of Israeli assassinations targeting Hezbollah. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky remains defiant, stating, "Peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war."
Comebacks and Festivals
Looking ahead to 2025, there are plenty of reasons to be excited. Britpop bad boys Oasis will make a long-awaited reunion, while K-pop megastars BTS return to the stage after military service in South Korea. Football aficionados will also discover a revamped 32-team Club World Cup hosted by the United States. And about 400 million pilgrims are expected to gather at the spectacular Kumbh Mela festival on India’s sacred riverbanks, billed as the largest gathering of humanity on the planet.
Conclusion
As the world bids farewell to 2024, it’s clear that the year has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. As we look to 2025, we can take heart in the knowledge that there are many reasons to be optimistic. From the return of iconic bands to the promise of new festivals, there’s much to look forward to in the year ahead.
FAQs
- What was the hottest year on record?
- 2024 is on course to be the hottest year on record, with climate-fuelled disasters causing widespread devastation.
- What were some notable events in 2024?
- The Paris Olympics, the return of Donald Trump, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
- What are some exciting events to look forward to in 2025?
- The return of Britpop bad boys Oasis, the return of K-pop megastars BTS, and the revamped 32-team Club World Cup hosted by the United States.