At New Year’s Eve in Times Square, revelers traditionally release confetti over the crowd.
The confetti fall is one of the signature elements of the Times Square celebration in New York City. It takes place after the illuminated ball completes its descent and midnight arrives. The paper pieces carry written wishes and messages submitted by members of the public, adding a participatory element to the spectacle.
Times Square’s first ball drop took place in 1907, but the confetti tradition came later. The ball itself is lowered from One Times Square, while confetti is released from buildings and other launch points around the square.
Confetti should not be confused with the ball drop: they are separate parts of the same countdown. The celebration has also used special effects such as pyrotechnics and digital displays, but confetti remains the classic visual sign that the new year has begun.