The Race for New Year's Eve Supremacy: Sydney's Ambitious Bid
Sydney, the self-proclaimed 'New Year's Eve Capital of the World,' dazzles the world with a spectacular display of 7,000 firework cues illuminating the iconic Harbour Bridge
Dean Jacobowski stands at the peak of the Sydney Opera House, watching as the first rays of the summer sun illuminate the iconic white sails.
It's the crack of dawn, just three days before New Year's Eve. The harbor is Jacobowski's playground, and he intends to adorn it with a spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
"It's incredible to play a small role in the most recognized structure in the world," Jacobowski tells CNN. "With one billion people tuning in to watch the fireworks, there's definitely no pressure to get it right," he laughs.
Jakubowski's team will equip the Sydney Opera House with 36,000 shooting effects, 13,000 aerial shells, and over 75,000 pyrotechnic effects to create a stunning display over the harbor at the stroke of midnight. Sydney's local government, known as the "New Years Eve Capital of the World," has also arranged for 7,000 firework cues on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to make it "dance with color."
Panoramic scenery of Sydney harbour and Sydney opera house, Australia
AtomicZen/Moment RF/Getty Images
Australias most famous attraction turns 50
John Hughes, CEO of Luna Park, an iconic Art Deco amusement park located under the bridge, describes it as a longstanding tradition during the peak summer season. He emphasizes the unique experience of celebrating New Year's Eve in this incredible harbor, surrounded by clustered iconic landmarks, making it one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year.
Luna Park is a well-known landmark, often compared to Coney Island, with its iconic clown face that can't be missed. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their New Year's Eve Harbour party. While the main event focuses on the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the festive atmosphere is felt throughout the city, illuminating streets, homes, and businesses.
Luna Parks Hughes states that Sydneysiders take immense pride in the attraction, and he is excited about the influx of tourists from Australia and around the world who will visit Luna Park.
On the other side of the water, the Sydney Opera House celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. When it was unveiled in 1973, architect Jorn Utzon not only provided Australia with a symbol to showcase proudly on postage stamps but also a venue from which to launch fireworks.
The House, as its lovingly known, has over its half-decade helped to evolve Australian culture. On New Years Eve Opera Australia will stage a performance of "La Traviata."
CNN
New Years resolutions for 2024 travel
Soprano Samantha Clarke emphasizes the significance of Sydney being recognized by a cultural institution. "For Australia, being such a young country and having an iconic opera house as a landmark is very special," she explains.
Australia, a young nation, is home to the world's oldest culture, with Indigenous Australians residing on the continent for over 60,000 years. This year, a referendum to recognize First Nations people in the country's constitution was rejected after a contentious campaign led by conservative parties.
At 7:30pm, an Indigenous smoking ceremony will take place to "cleanse the harbor of negative spirits," followed by a fireworks display curated by Indigenous artists called "Buried Country."
Nooky, the Creative Director, emphasizes that the theme highlights the fact that Australians and visitors are constantly on Indigenous land, regardless of being in urban areas. "We are reaching out to our ancestors for guidance during this time, and also to honor their accomplishments and the wisdom they have imparted. My goal is to make this event a meaningful experience for all participants. This platform gives us the opportunity to share our authentic experiences, narratives, and voices with the global audience," expressed Nooky.
The world will be watching.
