Here’s how cities around the world welcomed 2023

Firework displays coloured the world’s skies as many gathered for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic to usher out 2022 and welcome 2023.

Crowds flocked to landmarks and skyscrapers in major cities after a two-year pandemic hiatus paused celebrations, as many celebrated from their own homes under lockdowns.

Drone animations joined some of the celebrations this year. Many displays included musical performances and laser shows to ring in the new year.

The island country of Kiribati was, as always, the first hop into the new year, and Hawaii is the last inhabited place to welcome the beginning of 2023.

Here’s a look at how cities around the world celebrated the new year:

A firework display in Scarborough, U.K., was called off at the last minute after an Artic walrus named “Thor” settled into the city’s harbour for New Year’s Eve.

The spectacle was suspended after British Divers Marine Life Rescue advised of the distress the animal could be under if the display went on as planned.