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"Huge turnout" for First Night Boston at City Hall Plaza

Boston rings in the New Year with First Night celebrations
Boston rings in the New Year with First Night celebrations 02:43

BOSTON - For the first time ever, First Night Boston was held at City Hall Plaza and, according to Mayor Michelle Wu, there was a "huge turnout."

"It's amazing to see so many people out. We had families all throughout the day, almost 2,000 rides on the carousel and lots of people still enjoying themselves on the plaza," Wu told WBZ-TV.

In addition to the annual fireworks, ice sculptures, music, food and cultural celebrations, there was a protest this year.

The Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights gathered outside of the festivities demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

US-ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN-CONFLICT-DEMONSTRATION
As fireworks went off above Boston Common on New Year's Eve, the Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights demanded a ceasefire in Gaza. JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

"The police department is trained for events like this. We have full staffing out here and throughout the neighborhoods to make sure the presence is there if needed," Wu said.

No incidents were reported.

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