Today I Learned: The Confetti in Times Square is All Thrown by Hand
When you think of New Year’s Eve in New York City, one iconic image that comes to mind is the massive amount of confetti that rains down on the crowds in Times Square. However, what you may not know is that all that confetti is actually thrown by hand. That’s right, every colorful piece of paper that falls from the sky is the result of hard work and dedication from a group of volunteers. Let’s take a closer look at this surprising tradition and how it all comes together.
The Confetti Tradition
For over a century, Times Square has been the epicenter of New Year’s Eve celebrations, drawing in huge crowds from around the world to ring in the new year. Every year, the iconic ball drop at midnight is accompanied by a spectacular display of confetti, creating a magical and festive atmosphere for revelers.
Throwing Confetti by Hand
Believe it or not, the confetti that blankets Times Square is not released from a machine or a helicopter. Instead, it is all painstakingly thrown by hand from the rooftops of nearby buildings. This labor-intensive process involves a team of volunteers who spend hours tossing the confetti out into the crowd, creating a mesmerizing effect as it falls gently from the sky.
The use of hand-thrown confetti dates back to the 1990s when concerns were raised about the environmental impact of using confetti cannons. Since then, the Times Square Alliance, the organization responsible for planning the New Year’s Eve festivities, made the decision to switch to hand-thrown confetti. This not only eliminated the environmental concerns but also created an opportunity for community involvement and volunteerism.
The Volunteers
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that the confetti tradition continues year after year. These dedicated individuals come from all walks of life, including local residents, tourists, and even celebrities, who eagerly sign up to be a part of this unique experience. With their help, the confetti release has become a beloved tradition that symbolizes unity and celebration.
The volunteers are stationed on rooftops and balconies throughout Times Square, armed with bags filled with colorful confetti. As the countdown to midnight begins, they begin tossing handfuls of confetti into the air, creating a breathtaking display that captivates the crowd below.
FAQ about Hand-Thrown Confetti
To shed more light on this fascinating tradition, here are some commonly asked questions about the hand-throwing of confetti in Times Square:
1. How many volunteers participate in throwing the confetti?
– Each year, around 100 volunteers take part in the confetti toss, making it a truly communal effort.
2. What type of paper is used for the confetti?
– The confetti is made from colorful, recycled paper, ensuring that it is environmentally friendly and safe for the environment.
3. How far does the confetti spread?
– The confetti can reach distances of up to 100 feet, creating a stunning visual effect as it falls from the sky.
4. What happens to the confetti after it falls?
– After the festivities, the confetti is swept up and collected by a cleanup crew to ensure that Times Square is left sparkling and spotless.
5. Can anyone volunteer to throw confetti?
– Yes, anyone can sign up to be a confetti volunteer through the Times Square Alliance website, making it a memorable and unique way to ring in the new year.
The Magic of New Year’s Eve in Times Square
As the clock strikes midnight and the confetti rains down on the crowds in Times Square, the energy and excitement are palpable. This time-honored tradition of hand-throwing confetti symbolizes the joy of new beginnings and the spirit of unity and togetherness. It’s a reminder that even the smallest actions, such as tossing confetti from a rooftop, can bring people together and create unforgettable moments. So, the next time you find yourself in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who make the confetti tradition come to life.
