Current:Home > News2023’s problems and peeves are bid a symbolic farewell at pre-New Year’s Times Square event-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
2023’s problems and peeves are bid a symbolic farewell at pre-New Year’s Times Square event
lotradecoin trading tutorial videos View Date:2024-12-25 16:14:29
NEW YORK (AP) — One person wanted to get past anger issues. Others sought to turn the page on medical bills, work stress, insecurities, taxes, regrets, bad habits, bad hair days, COVID-19, worrying about what other people think, and “all negativity of 2023.”
People hoping to shed those and other problems converged on Times Square Thursday for “Good Riddance Day,” a promotional pre-New Year’s Eve event that offers a chance to, at least symbolically, cast away burdens, peeves and bad memories.
“The whole world is going through this. There’s lots of people going through bad experiences. Wars, inflation, life has been rough. I’m just hoping for 2024 to just give everyone a break from those terrible things,” Angel Villaneuva of Washington said after watching his personal banes — bad relationships and negative energy and experiences — go up in smoke.
Previous iterations of “Good Riddance Day” have involved shredders and a dumpster. But this year, Magician Devonte Rosero took a grill lighter to pieces of paper on which Villaneuva and others had written down what they wanted to put behind them.
For Carol Vera, that’s fast food and unhealthy snacks, now that she’s learned she has high cholesterol levels. But on a broader level, the New Yorker is sad about conflict around the world.
“We should be focusing on humanity, instead of fighting with each other,” Vera said.
Natasha Naheir was keen to be done with college applications, school, bad hair and makeup days, and fake friends. Naheir, who was visiting from North Carolina, is excited for 2024: “There’s a lot we can improve from this year,” she said.
Despite all the troubles of 2023, Villaneuva is optimistic, too.
“Some people might think it’s too good to be true to be hopeful or to wish for something, but I like to stay hopeful and positive,” he said.
___
Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed.
veryGood! (84774)
Related
- Charlie Sheen’s Daughter Sami Sheen Undergoes Plastic Surgery for Droopy Nose
- An Arizona judge helped revive an 1864 abortion law. His lawmaker wife joined Democrats to repeal it
- Future of Texas’ migrant-blocking buoys may hinge on whether the Rio Grande is ‘navigable’
- FBI, Homeland Security warn of possible threats to LGBTQ events, including Pride Month activities
- The president of Columbia University has resigned, effective immediately
- A cricket World Cup is coming to NYC’s suburbs, where the sport thrives among immigrant communities
- After a 3-year search, suspect who texted 'so I raped you' to US college student arrested
- Shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sends shockwaves across Europe
- 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars': Premiere date, cast, where to watch and stream
- NFL Responds to Kansas City Chiefs Player Harrison Butker's Controversial Graduation Speech
Ranking
- Oklahoma city approves $7M settlement for man wrongfully imprisoned for decades
- Shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sends shockwaves across Europe
- What we know, and don’t know, about the presidential debates
- How Caitlin Clark's Boyfriend Connor McCaffery Celebrated Her WNBA Debut
- Beyoncé leads nominations for 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards
- Exclusive video shows Steve Buscemi and man who allegedly punched him moments before random attack in NYC
- Social Security's 2025 COLA estimate inches up but Medicare Part B premium may wipe it out
- Caitlin Clark back in action: How to watch Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty on Thursday
Recommendation
-
Alabama Supreme Court authorizes third nitrogen gas execution
-
This Week’s Landmark Transmission Rule Forces Utilities to Take the Long View
-
Inside the 'Young Sheldon' finale: Tears, tissues and thanks as Sheldon Cooper leaves home
-
Get Target Dresses For Less Than $25, 40% Off NARS Cosmetics, 30% Off Samsonite Luggage & More Deals
-
The president of Columbia University has resigned, effective immediately
-
Like a Caitlin Clark 3-pointer, betting on women’s sports is soaring
-
Texas man accused of killing New Mexico women and kidnapping an infant faces federal charge
-
North Carolina revenue decline means alternate sources for voucher spending considered