Several major cities worldwide have cancelled New Year’s Eve events or imposed heightened security measures this year. Officials have cited terror threats, recent violent incidents and the challenges of managing large crowds, saying the moves are precautionary steps to minimise risks during year-end celebrations, Fox News reported.
Which cities have cancelled NYE celebrations?
In Paris, officials called off the city’s famed New Year’s Eve live concert on the Champs-Élysées. City leaders, including the mayor of the 8th Arrondissement, said the area was simply not suitable for large, unpredictable crowds, especially late at night when alcohol consumption and spontaneous gatherings could increase risks. Instead of a live performance, a pre-recorded concert will be broadcast on television and fireworks will still take place near the Arc de Triomphe at midnight, Redcliff Tourism reported.
Tokyo’s Shibuya district, known for its massive street countdown celebrations, also cancelled its planned public New Year’s event. Organisers cited concerns about crowd control and nuisance behaviour, particularly from drinking and large groups gathering without clear security measures. Authorities also underscored the need to keep residents and visitors safe amid large urban crowds, according to TimeOut.com.
In Serbia’s Belgrade, the city government made the decision to scrap its organised celebrations, stating that there would be no official New Year’s Eve party or Serbian New Year’s festivities this year, B92 reported.
What about the US?
In the US, the FBI reportedly disrupted a New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles, arresting four alleged suspects accused of planning coordinated attacks across multiple locations. Although authorities did not tie these arrests to any specific event site, the disruption added urgency to security planning for the holiday season.
Despite cancellations in some cities, other major celebrations are still expected to proceed, including the iconic Times Square party in New York City, where about a million people traditionally gather for the ball drop.
Officials there have intensified planning efforts, coordinating with multiple agencies to manage one of the largest New Year crowds in the world and stressing the importance of having contingency plans if situations change.
