As the world marked the beginning of a new year, Lebanon welcomed 2019 with lights, fireworks, and action.
On New Year's Eve, thousands of people gathered in the heart of central Beirut, more specifically in Nejmeh Square, as they watched a light and firework show fill the space around them. To no one's surprise, each year's celebrations leave an impression, so much they reached National Geographic's list of top 10 NYE celebrations.
"Each New Year brings a promise of peace in the capital of formerly war-torn Lebanon," the magazine wrote.
"Thousands gather to watch the light show on the city's 1933 art deco clock tower in Nejmeh Square ... At midnight, couples kiss and fireworks burst, shining over a mix of floodlit church steeples and mosque minarets in this eclectic Levantine metropolis."
The magazine released an updated list including must-visit cities, and Beirut surpassed Tokyo, Kiritimati, and Sydney with its celebrations, nestling at the seventh spot of the list.
What other cities made it to the list? Here's a breakdown:
- New York City, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- London, England
- Paris, France
- Madrid, Spain
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Tokyo, Japan
- Christmas Island, South Pacific
- Sydney, Australia
The list was originally published in 2014, but was updated in Dec. 2018.
"Tiny but mighty country"
"Congratulations"
"That's the spirit"
"The people of this country love life"
Editor's note: The article previously missed the fact that National Geographic originally published the list in 2014.