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People around the world celebrate the New Year in different ways. Here’s a look at how people welcomed the New Year of 2019.

Kiribati

The Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first in the world to ring in the New Year. In the capital city Tarawa, many celebrated with church services and mostly quiet private events.

New Zealand

    In Auckland, New Zealand, tens of thousands of people gathered around the 328-meter Sky Tower to watch a fireworks show and have a countdown activity at the midnight. In other places huge crowds gathered on beaches and streets as fireworks went off above city centers and seaports.

New York City

    People from all over the world gathered in Times Square in New York City to welcome 2019. The celebration took place under strict security, as people waited for the traditional midnight crystal ball drop.

Australia

About one million people crowded the Sydney Harbor, as Australia’s largest city began the New Year with a memorable fireworks celebration. More than 1 million people around the world watched the fireworks on television. This year’s fireworks show was the biggest one in Australia’s history.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the city’s tallest building was brightly lit. There were shows of fireworks, music and lights at Victoria Harbor. About 300,000 people gathered along the port for the festival.

21. Which country was the first to welcome the New Year of 2019.

   A. Kiribati           B. New Zealand        C. China       D. America

22. People gathered on Times Square to        

   A. meet the first sunlight of 2019

   B. enjoy famous musicians’ performances

   C. see the traditional midnight crystal ball drop

   D. have some church services to celebrate the New Year

23. What did the celebrations in Sydney, Hong Kong and Auckland have in common?

   A. They had fireworks shows.          B. They held countdown activities.

   C. They lit up the tallest buildings.         D. They had some religious celebrations.