Fireworks explode over the Matanzas Bay in the shadow of the Fort Matanzas National Monument in a recent Fireworks over the Matanzas celebration. Fort Matanzas was built during 1740s, and was Spain's final effort to ward off British advancements. And there’s no better place to celebrate the New Year than in the nation’s oldest city, Saint Augustine.
     All over the world people welcome in the new year, one of the world's one oldest holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon over 4,000 years ago. It has become a day of celebration, reflection of the past year and a hope for a prosperous future. Although it is now a tradition to enjoy fireworks on New-Year's eve, the earliest use of fireworks dates back to 12th century China, where they were first used to frighten away evil spirits.
     Today, the most popular fireworks are still those that go off with a big bang and a brilliant flash. Cities around the world host spectacular firework displays on New Year's Eve, and one of the first this evening is in Sydney, Australia.