New York prepares for New Year's Eve in Times Square: how it happens

The main New Year's Eve ceremony is the falling of the crystal ball in Times Square. Every year the ball changes its "wrapper", this time pineapples became the design theme. Why - says the video of the publication "Voice of America".

By tradition, every year, one day before the new year, the world-famous crystal ball, which will fall at midnight, marking the onset of the new year, is tested. Thus, it is possible to avoid unpleasant moments during an official ceremony, which is monitored not only by New Yorkers, but also by residents of the whole world.

"Piece of art"

Nearby, this ball is striking, said the journalist of the publication, who called it a "work of art."

The creators of the ball claim that it has 16 million color shades and billions of color combinations. The three-meter ball consists of 2600 triangular crystal panels, some of which change every year. New Year's design is chosen by the Times Square Alliance.

This year, the so-called honored guests took part in the ball launch test ceremony, the newspaper said.

Every year, people are invited to launch the ball on New Year's Eve who, from the point of view of the Times Square Alliance, are worthy to do so. “This year it will be students of New York schools, whose teachers are very actively involved in environmental issues,” the source said.

According to Times Square Alliance President Tim Topkins, the organization always tries to invite special guests depending on what has been the main topic of the outgoing year. “And this year, climate change was big news for everyone on a global scale,” he said.

On the subject: 10 secrets of a crystal ball in Times Square

For this reason, a lot of attention in the past year was focused on those people who help in resolving this global issue through political activity and research projects, Topkins explained.

What does pineapple have to do with it

It is curious that pineapples, which are engraved on the crystal panels of the ball, became the design theme of this year, the journalist said. As it turned out, in some countries this symbol is considered very New Year's, he added. The company that develops crystal panels for the ball every year - Waterford - told why they chose pineapples.

“Every year at Waterford we develop a new theme and new design. This year's theme and this year's all-new design is a gift of goodwill, ”said Tom Brennan of Fiskars Group Waterford.

It is with pineapple that in some countries of the world benevolence and hospitality have been associated for many centuries, he explained. “It's all about goodwill, kindness, generosity. It is about looking for good in each individual situation, and then about promoting it, ”the company representative emphasized.