Times Square is the home of America's largest New Year's Eve celebrations for more than a century. However, 2021 was a comparable empty year for Times Square due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone celebrated in quarantine.

The city will be bringing back the celebrations in full swing this year. Be aware that there is a catch to this event.

How the Times Square Tradition began

In 1907, the NYE ball first made its descent from One Times Square. The original iron and wooden bulb was adorned with 100 25-watt lightbulbs. Jacob Starr, an immigrant metalworker, built the ball. Artkraft Strauss, a signmaker, lowered it.

It's much more complicated these days. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds, of people gather in the city to witness the main event. Millions more are watching remotely around the world.

Only three times has the city cancelled its tradition in its history. One in 1942, and another in 1943 during World War II. The December 2020 cancellation was the most recent.

NYC's Long History with Epidemics

New York City was still recovering from the pandemic when the time came for New Year's 2021. The epicenter of the disease was first identified in New York City, on the east coast.

NYC was a hotspot for coronavirus in early 2020. Within the first three months, the CDC reported more than 200,000 cases COVID-19. NYC had over 800 COVID-related deaths in one day in April, just as most people were beginning to notice COVID in their areas.

The rest of America watched in horror as hospital workers made temporary morgues out of refrigerated trucks. Although this may seem like a nightmare from the past, it is still happening in 2021.

The Big Apple had already faced an epidemic in 2020. The Spanish Influenza pandemic nearly destroyed the city almost exactly 100 years ago.

Given the city's rich history, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s announcement just recently seems more rational.

Reliable Ringing in the New Year

De Blasio declared on November 16th, that Times Square would be open for the New Year's celebrations in 2022. "We are proud of the Times Square fantastic celebration, the ball dropping, and everything, returning full strength, just the way that we love it."

The mayor said that there were "Hundreds of thousands" of people celebrating, and that it was possible to get back together. It will be incredible. It will be a joy to the city."

But here's the catch: The catch? All NYE attendees need to be fully vaccinated. All partygoers must show proof of vaccinations and a valid photo ID. No matter if it is required, the city strongly recommends that everyone wear a mask indoors and in public.

This policy is a continuation of the Key to NYC campaign that began on August 17, 2021. Proof of vaccination is required for many bars, restaurants, gyms, theatres, and other establishments.

This new policy may seem like the perfect buzzkill for thousands of tourists who visit NYC to party. In true NYC spirit, however, locals don't seem to be too concerned about what other people think.

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By: Melanie A. Davis
Title: Times Square Will Welcome Back New Years Eve Celebrations And Partygoers–But There’s A Catch
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/times-square-new-years-eve-celebration-2021/2601988/
Published Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2021 13:15:00 +0000

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