**Sydney and Auckland welcome 2024 with fireworks**
Sydney and Auckland were the first major cities to ring in the New Year of 2024 with spectacular fireworks displays. Over a million people gathered in both cities to witness the stunning illuminations over the Sydney Harbour and New Zealand’s tallest structure, the Sky Tower in Auckland. The rain in Auckland had cleared just in time for the midnight celebrations, as the countdown commenced against an illuminated display near the top of the 328-meter tall tower. In Sydney, a 12-minute fireworks display erupted around the Sydney Harbour Bridge, drawing an audience of more than one million people.
**Welcome to the New Year**
Elsewhere in the world, the New Year had already been welcomed by the small Pacific island nations of Tonga, Samoa, and Kiribati, as well as in Japan where temple bells rang out and people gathered at shrines and temples to celebrate.
**Tense year comes to an end**
The New Year celebrations came in the midst of ongoing tensions, including the war between Israel and Gaza, which has incited protests in cities such as Sydney. More police than ever were deployed to oversee the fireworks displays, following heated pro-Palestinian protests in response to the Sydney Opera House being illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag. Pope Francis reflected on the hardships of 2023, sending prayers for those affected by war and conflict around the world.