The New Year’s Eve party in the iconic Times Square is back to normal this Saturday after two years of covid-19, which resulted in the event being held in greatly reduced capacity in 2020 and some restrictions being maintained in 2021.
“It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without the biggest party in the world!
“We’re preparing Times Square for a full return to partying!” reads a message on social networks about the New York City account.
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without the biggest party in the world!
We are preparing Times Square for the full return of the festivities! pic.twitter.com/ZkxTZTn8fM
— City of New York (@nycgov) December 30, 2022
Police for its part have said there is no “credible” threat against the city, but they will deploy thousands of officers across midtown Manhattan and control access to the “crossroads of the world,” where concerts can be seen. before the traditional descent of the crystal ball at midnight.
This December 31 Times Square will be able to reach its maximum capacity for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic: in 2020 only a small group of frontline workers attended and in 2021 the capacity was reduced to 15,000 people, well below the usually 60,000.
“This shows that we survived, that we are overcoming the pandemic, finding a new normal, moving forward not backwards, and that the new year brings a lot of hope,” organizer Tom Harris told CBS. Times Square Alliance.
However, some safety requirements will be enforced which are a barrier for many, starting with enduring the cold: people come early to get a good seat before the festivities start at 6pm, and that there are many blocked roads and only four entry points.
Furthermore, to enter the premises it is forbidden to bring bulky backpacks, umbrellas, chairs and alcoholic drinks with you, among other things, and those who leave the premises before midnight are not guaranteed to return, according to what the Police recalled in a message on Twitter.
If you plan to ring in the New Year in Times Square, check the information below for entry points, as well as prohibited items which include:
❌ Umbrellas
❌ Backpacks / Big Bags
❌ Garden chairs
❌ Coolers
❌ Alcohol pic.twitter.com/f4ZiAtaWLE— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 29, 2022
In any case, the New York authorities will not apply restrictions for overseas events or require proof of vaccination against the coronavirus, according to current legislation.
The nearly six-hour event will be led by a musical lineup in which Chelsea Cutler and JVKE stand out, far from other New Year’s Eve divas such as Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey, and will be broadcast by a multitude of television channels.
