New Yorkers defied drenching rains on Monday night to greet 2019 with colorful confetti and sparkling lights at the Times Square, which also drew thousands of visitors to the start of the new year festivity.
As the clock clicked zero hour the crystal ball dropped, sending a flush of confetti and fireworks all around.
The new year celebrations paid tribute to free Press and journalists as inseparable aspects of democracy in the backdrop of a tough year for the media around the world.
The incessant rain could not dampen the spirits of revelers as they stood for hours to experience the magical first moment of 2019 at the Times Square, a globally famous point for celebrations.
Among the performers was Christina Aguilera, who dressed in snow-white fired up the crowd.
A performance of John Lennon’s Imagine touched on the popular theme of peace and universal brotherhood.
