MIAMI (WSVN) - Out with the old, in with the new. The countdown to 2025 is on, and the party preparations are well underway in South Florida.
Organizers of the Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve 2025 Celebration are expecting about 100,000 partygoers to join in the fun in welcoming the new year.
They said this is the largest Hispanic New Year’s Eve celebration in the country.
Capping off the evening will be the big orange, a 35-foot, 2,000-pound LED sculpture that’ll make its climb to the top of the InterContinental hotel at midnight.
Ringing in the New Year on the big stage, following the confetti drop and fireworks display, will be an incredible performance from Mexican singer Fedro and his mariachi band.
Other performers include Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning icons Willy Chirino and Arturo Sandoval.
“It was a privilege and an honor that they hired me to do it. This is going to be my fourth year already doing it. And it’s crazy. I love Miami. I lived here for my first 20 years in the country, and then we moved 15 years ago to LA. I still live in Los Angeles. Well, I love it too, but Miami is my second home,” said headliner Arturo Sandoval.
Sandoval just received the Kennedy Center Honors for his contribution to jazz and Latin music.
Other celebrated performers are also set to take the stage, such as the Larry Dogg Band from Overtown.
“I am excited to be in my city; it’s a dream come true, y’all,” said Larry Dogg. “Because you know what? This is Miami, all cultures, all of us are one; no matter what we do, we are one.”
While the musicians warmed up for the big night, there will be a practice run for the Big Orange.
“It’s like our 40th year, which is amazing,” said Steve Carpenter, the owner of Mr. Neon. “It’s a fun-looking item, and it makes everybody happy for New Year’s.”
This year, the fireworks will be double the size and will reach the top of the intercontinental hotel at the stroke of midnight.
City officials were excited to announce a long list of talent set to take the stage on Tuesday night. Among those was Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, who told a crowd during a news conference Monday the Bayfront Party will include 28 performers and bands from around the world and in South Florida.
“It’s going to be the biggest ever in the history of the City of Miami,” he said. “Miami’s never seen anything like this. Once they see it, they’re going to want to stay. They’re not going to want to leave.”
The new and improved, refurbished Bayfront Park Fountain makes its appearance for the first time in two decades. Originally created by Asian American artist Samu Noguchi, the fountain is part of what makes the New Year’s celebration bigger and better than ever.
“It’s bigger and better,” said Commissioner Carollo. “It’s bigger and better. It’s got lighting everywhere in all kinds of colors. It’s got to spout more water. The main spout goes 150 feet high. We’re going to give the people of Miami their New Year’s present: the fountain comes to life, and we’re going to be showing all the screens that are going to get the best view from the water, and Miami is going to have a new refurbished fountain. That’s the biggest in America.”
According to Carollo, 800 spouts come together to create the masterpiece.
Diamela and her friends traveled from Venezuela to see all the festivities Miami has to offer on New Year’s Eve.
They weren’t the only ones coming in from out of the country, as Andrew and Sandra came all the way from Germany.
“We wanted to spend some time on New Year’s Eve in Miami,” Andrew said. “It was my wife’s dream.”
While partaking in the fun, partygoers are already making their New Year’s resolutions.
“That’s our resolution, relax,” said Andrew.
“That’s my husband; of course I agree with him!” Sandra said. “Most of the time.”
“Just have fun and enjoy life!” said James Zollman. ,
“Peace, love, and unity,” said Diamela. “I need to work on my cash flow!”
Raman and his daughter, Emma, from Atlanta, are leaving resolutions in 2024.
“No resolutions,” he said. “That’s my resolution. They don’t work, I believe.”
Police request that all eventgoers leave weapons, coolers, and their own fireworks at home.
“We’re going to have undercover officers throughout the event to make sure we don’t have any problems with the crowd,” said City of Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales. “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody out there. God bless, and we are looking forward to a great new year.”
The concert is free and begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday and will go until 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The event is free to the public, however VIP tickets are available for a more elevated experience. If you are interested, click here.
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