The confetti traditionally released at midnight in New York City’s Times Square is made from paper.
Confetti has been part of Times Square’s New Year celebration since the early twentieth century, when paper scraps were dropped over the crowd as a festive alternative to fireworks. Today, tons of paper confetti are released as the ball reaches the bottom of its pole and the new year begins.
The pieces may be printed with messages, wishes, or designs. Some celebrations also use larger paper signs known as “confetti wishes,” submitted by members of the public and released with the regular pieces. The material is chosen to create a dramatic visual effect while remaining light enough to float over the packed square.
People sometimes assume the falling material is metallic because it shines under the lights, but traditional Times Square confetti is paper. The spectacle is also different from the ball itself: the ball uses illuminated panels and electronics, while the confetti supplies the broad, drifting shower seen across the crowd.