Sydney, Australia is the first major city to welcome 2017 and this year they made it extra special. The city used their annual fireworks display to honor Gene Wilder, David Bowie, and Prince, stars that have unfortunately passed away in 2016.
NBC News said that Sydney was the first major city to say a "bittersweet" goodbye "to a turbulent year." The city's fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House had several features to pay tribute to the three iconic stars.
One instance saw several fireworks lighting up the sky as Bowie's classic song "Space Oddity" is being played in the background. To honor Wilder, the Harbour Bridge lit up with rainbow colors with music from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is being played.
As for Prince's tribute, The Australian reports that purple rain showered and illuminated the Harbour Bridge. Pink has been the color associated with the iconic singer.
Sydney's lord Mayor, Clover Moore, told The Guardian that both Prince and Bowie are significant to Australians, especially Bowie. He said that Bowie has "called Elizabeth Bay home for a decade from the early 80s."
Prince, on the other hand, has performed a lot of times in Australia. Moore said that the "Sydney opera house concert was one of his last." As for the tribute to Wilder, the lord Mayor said that "children and adults everywhere will delight in the colorful Willy Wonka moment."
Fortunato Foti, the fireworks director, said that this year's performance required them to come up with new techniques to be able to deliver the special effects. Carrie Fisher, George Michael, and Debbie Reynolds weren't part of the tribute as the organizers had already finalized the program when they died.
Check out the video of Sydney's fireworks display to welcome 2017 below. In other news, for those who have yet to visit the Sydney Opera House, might want to know that the hidden facts about Australia's iconic landmark before they visit.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
