Is there anywhere in the world that does not enjoy
celebrating New Year Eve, in whatever way they deem fit? Whether that means
staying at home with drinks and snacks or going out to a party or organised
celebration?
Well, the staying home option may no longer be an option –
it may be mandatory, thanks to lockdowns, curfews and other restrictions due to
the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said that the recent
curfew, which came into effect on the 25th of October, will be in
place between 11 pm and 6 am. Not only can local authorities ban inter-regional
travel under new measures, but the current 15 day curfew period may be extended
for 6 months.
As of writing, the only celebration cancellations have
been in Alicante – the Three Kings Parade and the New Year Eve party have both
been cancelled. Of course, however, if the national curfew is extended to 6
months then New Year Eve parties are automatically cancelled right across
Spain.
It is probably wise then to start planning a private
celebration at home with those that live with you. You can still have a great
time, without breaking curfew and risking infection.
As expected, it isn’t just Spain that has made
announcements such as this. Major cities across the world have said that New
Year Eve celebrations were cancelled – at least outdoor, organised celebrations
where there would have been mass gatherings.
New
Year Eve parties cancelled across the world
Millions of people, across the globe, are set to miss New
Year's Eve celebrations this year because of the current and ongoing Covid-19
pandemic. Whether you agree with the restrictions or not, the spread of this
virus must be slowed as much as possible. With large gatherings already a
no-no, it makes sense that these celebrations be put on hold this year.
Hopefully, there will be no pandemic at all shortly after
2021 starts, but this all largely depends on what we do now.
What cities have said ‘not this time’? Well, Valencia has
but who else? Two of the larger celebrations are held in London and New York.
London
The capital's mayor, Sadiq Khan, confirmed on the 23rd
of October the news that London's New Year’s Eve celebrations would not be
going ahead this year. With the fireworks display cancelled, the mayor has said
that he was working on something that “people can enjoy in the comfort and
safety of their living rooms on TV”.
The huge fireworks display that is traditionally held on
the banks of the river Thames attracts tens of thousands of people as they ring
in the new year. Last year, for instance, saw the banks lined with over 100,000
people.
New
York
For the first time in 100 years, New York City has
cancelled its iconic New Year's Eve celebration. Around 1 million people
normally descend on NYC for the New Year celebrations, and keeping people away
is likely going to prove impossible – even with the events being cancelled.
In a move similar to that of London, the President of the
Times Square Alliance, Tim Hopkins, has said in a press release that an event
of some kind will provide “significantly new and enhanced virtual, visual and
digital offerings”. What these offerings will be are still in development.
Whatever you do this new year, whatever form your
celebrations take, do take care and stay safe.