Crowds jammed city centers the world over Tuesday to ring in 2014, braving bone-chilling cold and record celebratory events from Dubai to the Philippines.
“We’ve got adult diapers. We’re wearing them right now,” said 14-year-old Amber Woods, who came with friends to New York’s Times Square amid tight security. For nourishment, they brought lollipops and popcorn. For the cold, they did a lot of jumping in place.
Dubai put on a dazzling 30-minute fireworks show, while London had a mixture of futuristic pyrotechnics and torch-lit tradition — not to mention flavored snow, confetti and bubbles.
The party was a break for area of the Philippines hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan in November. However, hundreds were hurt by firecracker blasts and gunfire.
New York revelers enjoyed what some called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Once in a lifetime for me, for sure. I mean, if I even survive. I can’t wait to get out of here,” said a smiling Jerry Bender of Chino, Calif.
