(CNN) – For a while, it looked like we could play New Year’s Eve in major cities around the world with something like the big celebrations of yesteryear.
Another increase in Covid and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus has broken those hopes, at least somewhere in the world.
Some major cities in Europe, where the spread of Omicron has been surprising, have already announced that they are canceling or reducing plans.
Other cities with iconic celebrations still plan to host their events but with safety precautions.
As of December 21st, this is what some of the cities in the world are doing with big New Year’s Eve events traditionally.
Canceled events
The following cities (or nations) have already announced that they are canceling their major holidays:
BERLIN
Germany will impose strict contact restrictions to curb the spread of Covid from December 28 and ban New Year’s Eve meetings, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday (December 21st).
This means that there are no large concentrations of fireworks in Berlin, the capital, or in other large meeting places such as Munich and Frankfurt.
A maximum of 10 people will be able to gather in groups from Dec. 28, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or recovered, Scholz said. Children 13 and under are exempt from the new contact restrictions.
EDINBURGH
Public New Year’s Eve celebrations in Scotland will be canceled, Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday 21 December.
Sturgeon said the move “would also mean, unfortunately, that Hogmanay’s large-scale celebrations, including the one planned here in our capital, will not continue. I know how disappointing it will be for those looking forward to these events.”
LONDON
“Due to the increase in Covid cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our NYE event in Trafalgar Square,” the tweet said from Khan’s verified account. “The safety of all Londoners must come first.”
A statement attached to the tweet says that the celebration was expected to welcome 6,500 people in Trafalgar Square.
Instead, a program will be broadcast at midnight on BBC One, Khan said.
NEW DELHI
The government of the territory of the Union of India of Delhi, which includes the national capital of New Delhi, has announced a ban on all social, cultural, political and festival meetings until further notice due to an increase in Covid-19 cases, CNN’s New Delhi office reports. .
According to the Delhi government, all officials “should make sure that no cultural events / meetings / congregations are held to celebrate Christmas or New Year” in the region.
Bars and restaurants can only operate at 50% capacity.
Paris is lit up for Christmas in places like Place Vendome, but it won’t be a big New Year’s Eve show.
Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images
PARIS
JANUARY RIVER
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil’s party, have been canceled due to growing concern over the coronavirus, Mayor Eduardo Paes tweeted on Saturday, December 18th.
“We respect science. Because there are divergent opinions among science committees, we will always stick with the most restrictive ones,” Paes wrote.
“I make the decision with sadness, but we can’t organize the celebration without the guarantee of all the health authorities. Unfortunately, we can’t organize a party of this size, in which we have a lot of expenses and logistics involved, without the minimum time. in preparation, “the mayor said.
ROME
Events still scheduled
Sydney, Australia, plans to hold its spectacular fireworks show for New Year’s Eve 2021.
PETER PARKS / AFP / Getty Images
Not all cities in the world have canceled their celebrations. Here are some of the cities traditionally known for their exceptional fireworks and major New Year’s Eve events that were still moving forward with their plans starting December 21st:
BANGKOK
CAPE CITY
DUBAI
LES VEGES
Sydney
TAIPEI
