Every year, the world looks forward to ringing in the New Year with confetti, fireworks, and celebrations. However, no place is as iconic and synonymous with New Year’s Eve as Times Square in New York City. For over a century, Times Square has hosted some of the most memorable and historic New Year’s Eve festivities in the world. From the midnight ball drop to the musical performances, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square throughout history.
The Tradition of the Ball Drop
One of the most iconic and enduring traditions of New Year’s Eve in Times Square is the ball drop. The first ball drop event was organized in 1907 by the owner of the New York Times, Adolph Ochs. The first ball was made of iron and wood and weighed over 700 pounds. The ball drop garnered huge crowds, and the tradition continued and grew in popularity every year. The ball was replaced with a much larger, brightly lit, crystal ball in 2009, which weighs almost 12,000 pounds and measures 12 feet in diameter. Today, millions of people from all over the world tune in to watch the ball drop each year, making it one of the most-watched televised events in the world.
Legendary Performances
Over the past century, some of the world’s most legendary performers have taken to the stage at Times Square to ring in the New Year. From Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey, the performers have been as diverse as they have been talented. In 1972, Dick Clark took over the role of host of the New Year’s Eve shows and went on to become a fixture of Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations. The iconic television personality hosted the event for over 30 years and was a beloved figure to millions of Americans. After his passing, TV personality Ryan Seacrest took over hosting duties, continuing the tradition of welcoming the New Year in Times Square.
The Terrorist Attack of 2001
In 2001, the world was shaken by the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11th in New York City. In light of the tragic event, many New Yorkers and concerned Americans wondered whether the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square would continue that year. However, due to the resilience and strength of the people of New York, the event went ahead as planned. The mood of the event was reflective, solemn and patriotic, a tribute to the brave lives that were lost in the attacks. The late Dick Clark started the 2002 broadcast of the event, ushering in a cadre of musicians who led emotional renditions of “New York, New York” and “God Bless America.”
A Global Celebration
The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is not just a local event. It is a global celebration that unites people from all around the world. Even in 2020 when the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations went ahead with a virtual edition. While the crowds were not physically present in Times Square, millions of people around the world tuned in and celebrated the end of a difficult year. The event was virtual in respect to the measures needed to contain the spread of the virus , and it included performances by superstars like Jennifer Lopez and Billy Porter.
In conclusion, the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square are an iconic event that brings people around the world together to ring in a new year. The ball drop, epic musical performances, resilience in the face of tragedy, and a global celebration is what the event is about, and they encapsulate the spirit of the event. The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations will undoubtedly continue to evolve and thrive, becoming a tradition for generations to come.