People have flocked to New Year’s Eve celebrations in Switzerland this year, enjoying the first coronavirus restriction-free events for the first time in two years. The unseasonably mild temperatures also helped draw crowds.
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Thousands gathered at Lake Zurich to witness the “Silvesterzauber” (New Year’s Eve magic) fireworks which took place just after midnight.
Like many large New Year’s Eve celebrations in Switzerland, it had been cancelled the past two years due to the pandemic.
According to the organisers, 150,000 people were expected at the event.
Large New Year’s Eve celebrations were also held in other Swiss cities. In Geneva, there was a big party by the lake with live concerts, as well as the traditional fireworks.
Basel, however, had to do without the usual fireworks because no sponsors could be found.
Overall, police in the cantons said there had been no major disturbances, just incidents related to fireworks, small fires or arguments. The volunteer drivers of the Nez rouge campaign – which people can call for a ride home if they have been drinking – transported 4,300 people on New Year’s Eve with 2,000 trips. This is considerably more than in the previous year, when 860 people were brought home safely with 360 trips.
Temperatures have been high in Switzerland over the New Year period. New Year’s Eve saw temperatures rise to 20°C in canton Jura. Meteorologists blame warm air from the subtropics for the unseasonably warm weather.
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