January 1, 2013

After a failed Mayan doomsday prophesy, many people across the globe are meeting the new 2013 with a sign of relief but most definitely with a bang, as city’s skylines across the world ignite in festive spirit.

Sydney's celebrations have set the tone for the first iconic images of the new year, which started sweeping across the Pacific with stunning displays of light shows. The biggest Australian city was lit by 7 tons of fireworks fired from rooftops and barges.

Fireworks splashed over Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour once the clock struck midnight on January 1, the largest display in six years.

Russia, from Moscow to its Far Eastern frontiers is engulfed in the New Year’s spirit, as President Vladimir Putin called for unity following the turbulent 2012.

In Rome, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated New Year's Eve vespers in St Peter's Basilica, voicing solidarity with the poor and calling on believers to pause to reflect from time to time despite busy lives.

While Brussels and the rest of the European Union capitals are prepared to welcome the New Year with fireworks and a sign of hope in the coming year.

Across the Atlantic, the New York Times Square and its over one million spectators will celebrate the stroke of midnight with the traditional ball drop, where South Korean pop sensation Psy will join a host of American music stars.

In Rio de Janeiro, officials have promised a bumper 16-minute, 24-tonne display opposite Copacabana Beach.

Fireworks light up the sky along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 2013, during celebrations by over three million people attending New Year's Eve festivities (AFP Photo / Ari Versiani)

Fireworks light the sky above the Cathedral square in Vilnius during the New Year celebrations on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Petras Malukas)

People watch fireworks along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 2013, during celebrations by over three million people attending New Year's Eve festivities (AFP Photo / Ari Versiani)

People watch fireworks light up the sky along Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 2013, during celebrations by over three million people attending New Year's Eve festivities (AFP Photo / Ari Versiani)

Fireworks erupt over on the Elbe river in Dresden, eastern Germany on January 1, 2013 during the New Year's celebrations (AFP Photo / Robert Michael)

Fireworks illuminate the ancient temple of Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill during the new year's celebrations in Athens on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Aris Messinis)

Fireworks light up the sky above Funchal Bay, Madeira Island, to celebrate the arrival of the New Year on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / GGregorio Cunha)

Fireworks are launched from the Taipei 101 building to mark the new year in Taipei on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Sam Ye)

Fireworks explode over Victoria harbour to celebrate the new year, in Hong Kong on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Antony Dickson)

Fireworks light up the ancient Colisseum in central Rome's via dei Fori just after midnight on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Vincenzo Pinto)

Fireworks illuminate the sky to usher the new year at the Marina Bay in Singapore on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Roslan Rahman)

Spectator boats in Sydney Harbour look on as New Year's Eve fireworks erupt over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on January 1, 2013 (AFP Photo / Manan Vatsyayana)