Taipei, Jan. 1 (CNA) Tens of thousands of spectators gathered to witness Taipei's annual New Year's Eve countdown party outside Taipei City Hall on Sunday, where 16,000 fireworks were set off atop the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper.
The 16,000 fireworks, made in Taiwan and Japan, were set off over five minutes, with the NT$20 million (US$651,815) show following a "colorful world" theme, according to Taipei 101 Chairman Chang Hsueh-shun (張學舜).
This year's theme symbolized the world returning to normal, following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The fact the show included fireworks from Japan for the first time was reflective of the strong bond Taiwan has with its neighbor, Chang said.
Around 140,000 revelers gathered near City Hall at midnight for the fireworks, according to figures released by Taipei City's Department of Information and Tourism.
Partygoers began gathering at a main stage set up outside City Hall and four smaller stages nearby to watch a variety of performances from 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The party continued past midnight with performances by Taiwanese trio Accusefive -- the final performers at the party -- together with the Taipei-based Philharmonia Moments Musicaux orchestra. The three-person band also made a song specially tailored to mark the beginning of 2024, according to the city government.
Other performers included Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lala Hsu (徐佳瑩), winner of Best Mandarin Female Singer at the Golden Melody Awards; HUSH, Golden Melody Awards winning Best Mandarin Male Singer and Golden Melody award-winning band MATZKA.
Meanwhile, New Year's Day on Monday is the first public holiday of 2024, as the country observes the founding of the Republic of China in 1912.
The start of a new year is traditionally marked with national flag-raising ceremonies around Taiwan, including one in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei.
A cordoned-off area for the public to attend the Presidential Office event will open to the public at 4:30 a.m. before a series of performances start at 5 a.m.
The flag-raising ceremony will begin at 6:27 a.m., according to the Presidential Office, which will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday.
