As the clocks struck midnight on December 31, people celebrated the new year around the world with fireworks, festivities and prayers.<br /><br /> In New York, more than one million people packed into the streets of midtown Manhattan to welcome 2014 – and see the new year glittering ball drop over Time Square, a Big Apple tradition.<br /><br /> Mexico City played host to a huge open air concert, rounding off 2013 to the sounds of merengue and cumbia.<br /><br /> In Tokyo, thousands of people gathered at Zojoji temple to pray for the year ahead. <br /><br /> Thai Buddhists in Bangkok also ushered in 2014 in reflective mood, paying homage to the Buddha and offering alms to monks.<br /><br /> Pope Francis heralded the start of the new year with a Vatican address underlining the importance of strength, courage and hope.
