Myanmar celebrates 2013 with its first public New Year countdown

GlobalPost

After many years of military rule, Myanmar is holding its first public New Year countdown to ring in 2013.

According to the Associated Press, between 50,000 and 90,000 are expected to attend the celebration at a large field in Yangon.

"This is very exciting and also our first experience in celebrating the New Year at a big countdown gathering. We feel like we are in a different world," said Yu Thawda, a university student who came to the public celebration with three of her friends.

More from GlobalPost: Myanmar rings in 2013 with first public New Year's Eve countdown

Before this year's countdown went public, New Year's Eve was reserved for private parties and celebrations inside hotels, the AP continued. The military regime reserved grand firework displays to honor Armed Forces Day.

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