Confetti is traditionally released over the crowd during New York City’s Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration.
The paper shower became an important part of the event because it creates a visible celebration across the square without relying only on fireworks. Modern releases use huge quantities of small paper pieces, and messages from people around the world are often printed on some of the confetti. These messages can include wishes, hopes, and resolutions for the coming year.
Times Square’s central ceremony is the descent of the illuminated ball, which began in 1907. Confetti is separate from the ball mechanism, but both elements now form part of the internationally televised celebration. The event draws enormous crowds and is watched by many more people through broadcasts and online streams.
Confetti should not be confused with balloons. Balloons and other decorations may appear around the celebration, but the signature material released over the audience at midnight is paper confetti. Crews also clean the square after the event, removing the paper and other debris from the streets.