New Year Celebrations Around the World

It is party time! The New Year Eve is getting close and people around the world are almost ready to celebrate the start of 2010. Here are the New Year's celebrations and festivities on the biggest capitals of the world.

Sydney (Happy New Year!)

The fun starts with the firing of the Harbour canon on Fort Dennison at 1 PM, and then fired every hour until midnight . Other events include live music, theatre , street performers, special cruises and fireworks from the Harbour Bridge and the Harbour of Light Parade.

Rio de Janeiro (Feliz Ano Novo!)

The big party is held at Copacabana Beach with fireworks and around 2 million people, most of them dressed up in white in celebration of peace.

Tokyo (Kinga Shinnen!)

In Japan it is a tradition that before the New Year's, balloons are released to pray for happiness and peace. People write their wishes on paper and wait for the countdown. Before midnight on New Year's Eve, temples around the country begin to ring bells 108 times called joya-no-kane. It is believed that the tolling of the bells purify ourselves of our 108 worldly desires. People say to each other 'yoi otoshiwo' which means 'Have a nice year passing' on New Year's Eve.

Moscow (S Novim Godom!)

The meeting point is Read Square in the heart of Moscow with large crowds gathering to hear the bells of the Kremlin's clock countdown to year 2010 amidst fireworks and live performances.

Berlin (Prosit Neujahr!)

On New Year's Eve, Berlin has the biggest open air party at the Bradenburg Gate with several stages, dance floors and tents with live music, performances, and international Djs. Traditionally, there are also international food stands and bars open all night.

New York (Happy New Year!)

As every year the meeting point on New Year's Eve will be at the symbolic center is the iconic Times Square. The ball drop tradition starts at 11:59 pm to arrive exactly at midnight. The celebrations feature musical performances balloons, pom-poms, confetti, a colorful pyrotechnic display and about a million of people..

London (Happy New Year!)

This year's fireworks display in Central London will be at the London Eye celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Big Ben countdown, complete with New Year's Day parade that finishes up in Piccadilly

Where will you be celebrating New Year's Eve? Will you be following any rituals or traditions?Happy New Year!