Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. US Christens 2011 With Large Celebrations New York joins the rest of the world in welcoming the new year. VOA News 01 January 2011 Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS Fireworks erupt from a building to signal the New Year, 2011, in Times Square in New York, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) A million people in New York City crowded into Time Square to celebrate the arrival of 2011. Revelers cheered as a giant Waterford Crystal ball began descending during the one minute countdown to the new year. Fireworks lit up the New York skyline and a loud chant of "Happy New Year" filled the air.  South American countries, highlighted by an impressive fireworks display in Buenos Aires, Argentina, celebrated into the earl hours of 2011. Revelers across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands welcomed 2011 hours ago. The tiny Pacific island nation of Kiribati was the first to ring in 2011.  London hosted one of Europe's biggest celebrations, on the banks of London's River Thames. Around a quarter of a million people gathered to watch fireworks as the famous Big Ben at Parliament chimed in the new year. Earlier, New Zealanders welcomed 2011 with a spectacular fireworks show in Auckland, while in Sydney, Australia, 1.5 million people gathered for the annual fireworks show on the Harbour Bridge. China's President Hu Jintao addressed his country on New Year's Eve, pledging peaceful international relations while pushing for a transformation of the country's export-driven economy. At midnight in Dubai, fireworks exploded from all sides of the world's tallest building. In Vatican City, Pope Benedict held a prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica. During his New Year's Day stressed importance of treating people equaling regardless of their race and skin color. .