Cities in
Syrian as well as China and Taiwan witnessed the New Year’s eve with colour.
Syria celebrations came after al-Assad outing.
The Syrian cities
marked New Year’s Eve with large-scale celebrations amid tight security, just weeks after the ousting of former ruler Bashar al-Assad.
In the capital Damascus, crowds gathered in the main Umayyad Square to witness a large fireworks display.
“This year’s New Year’s celebration has a special significance.
“For the first time in Syria, we celebrate without the presence of the al-Assad regime,” Hala Ibrahim told dpa.
Ibrahim, who is in her forties, added, “I lived four decades of fear under the rule of (the al-Assads), the father and the son.
“Now, I want my children to live a life of freedom, security and dignity.”
Ziad Mohsen, celebrating with his family near the old exhibition city close to Umayyad Square, shared similar sentiments.
“The joy most Syrians feel today is not just about the New Year but about the departure of the tyrant,” he said.
“It’s heartening to see Syrians happy again, congratulating each other not only for the New Year but for a new Syria.”
Across cities like Homs, Aleppo, Daraa and Suwayda, streets and squares were adorned with lights and colours to mark the occasion.
Security forces were heavily deployed to ensure safety during the celebrations, with the Interior Ministry cautioning against celebratory gunfire and promising penalties for violators.
“This New Year is historic for free Syrians everywhere,” said Basel Ayoub, a Damascus resident.
“We can finally begin to taste the freedom stolen from us for decades by the al-Assad family and their regime.”
Also, China and Taiwan have rung in the New Year with light shows in several major cities.
In Beijing, celebrations were held at a former steelworks on the city’s western outskirts, while in Shanghai, crowds gathered to admire light displays along the world-renowned river promenade and other locations.
The Chinese special administrative region of Hong Kong hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
New Year’s Eve is not as widely celebrated in China as elsewhere, with the Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, seen as far more significant.
In 2025, it will fall on Jan. 29.
In Taiwan, a six-minute fireworks show was performed for thousands of spectators at the country’s landmark Taipei 101 building, which is 509 metres tall.
For the first time, the display also included a light show,
