NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD II

Various ways to say “Happy New Year, 2011”

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-01/01/c_13673063_2.htm

Kyrgyz hold colorful parade to embrace coming of new year

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/culture/2010-12/31/c_13672612_3.htm

BISHKEK, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) — About 1,000 revelers took to the streets here in the Kyrgyz capital on Friday, celebrating the advent of a new year.

Wearing colorful costumes, the crowd braved unmelted snow and streamed through the city center. Thousands of local residents, old and young, flocked onto the streets to watch the “Big Show.”

The procession mainly featured Ayazatas, or Kyrgyz Santa Clauses, who wore white long beards, red Christmas hats and snow boots, and waved to spectators.

Also in the parade was a band that featured accordions, violins, saxophones, flutes and other instruments. Some of the band’s members dressed as Shrek, Snow White, Mickey Mouse and other cartoon figures.

The festive event at least partly showed that with a new government installed earlier this month, the mountainous Central Asian country is gradually restoring stability.

“I wish the year of 2011 will pass in peace and stability,” a local women who identified herself as Maria told Xinhua.

**(NEVER THOUGHT THAT THERE WILL BE SO MANY SANTAS IN KYRGYZSTAN, A MUSLIM COUNTRY)**

Concert held in Taipei to mark New Year’s Eve

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-01/01/c_13673296.htm

Mao Amin holds concerts in Beijing

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-01/01/c_13673279_4.htm

Tsai Chin holds concert in Tianjin

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-01/01/c_13673286.htm

YouTube – ABBA Happy New Year 2011 & Lyrics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCgaeJfzQrg

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YouTube – Happy New Year 2010-2011 by ABBA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdwMdK5sAac

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