As New Year’s rolls in with the end of December, many reflect on the hectic year most of the country lived through. 2021 was full of sickness, but also recovery; though many are looking forward to 2022 for more healing for COVID-19.  

Mayor Bill de Balsio announced the festivities of New Years eve will be back in full strength to welcome in the year 2022; The tradition of the ball drop in Times Square is back for vaccinated people this Dec. 31.

This New Year, if watching the ball drop in person is a want, then a full vaccination card with photo identification is said to be needed, but if not possibly people are able to show proof of a negative covid test 24 hours prior and wear a mask at the event, Time squares official website said.The event will still be broadcasted for audiences at home through their televisions. 

Yearly there are approximately a million spectators in Times Square to watch as the ball drops and a new year begins. People watching the New Year’s Eve event in person or from home will watch multiple performances. These performers include Pitbull singing ‘Don’t Stop the Party’ and ‘Give me Everything,’ Machine Gun Kelly performing ‘Bloody Valentine’ and Gloria Gaynor singing ‘I Will Survive.’

In the past years, performers such as Jason Derulo, Doja Cat and Blake Shelton have performed for millions of people. For some time now new locations for mini ball drop ceremonies have taken place, because of time changes. An example of this can be seen in New Orleans, Louisiana— where they drop the Fleur De Lis. 

The ball drop in Times Square has been a tradition for U.S. citizens since December of 1907, welcoming the year 1908. This year citizens are invited to Times Square to enjoy the in-person party of the year on Dec. 31.