Large crowds flock to the Sky Tower in the centre of Auckland City, New Zealand, to immerse themselves in light and music. (Photo: AP)

In Pictures: World celebrates New Year 2023

Pacific island countries such as Tonga, Samoa and Kiribati, are the first places to welcome 2023. A few hours later, the New Year arrived in New Zealand, Australia, etc. Following a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spectacular fireworks displays have returned to several major cities around the world.