A Disappointing Celebration

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, anticipation filled the air in Montreal's Old Port, where over 100,000 revelers gathered to ring in the new year. However, as many attendees soon discovered, the celebration didn't quite meet expectations due to a bewildering series of events, sparking frustration and complaints across social media platforms.

Attendee Reactions

Jay Licudan, celebrating in the Old Port for the first time, shared his shock: “The countdown was confusing. We expected more fireworks, and then it was just over in a flash,” he lamented. Licudan later learned from friends still at the venue that a more elaborate fireworks display occurred around 1 a.m., leaving him feeling doubly disappointed.

Numerous attendees echoed Licudan's sentiments online. Comments like, "I’ve seen better displays in smaller towns during less significant events," flooded platforms like Reddit, further highlighting the collective dissatisfaction. One user humorously added, “The midnight fireworks were sad lol; we saw a huge show go off at 1 a.m. on our way home.”

Organizer's Response

The event, dubbed Igloo Nouvel An, marked its inaugural year, helmed by Multicolore, the company known for the vibrant Igloofest. In a statement addressing the uproar, Pascal Lefebvre, president of Multicolore, clarified that there had been a technical issue during the midnight fireworks, necessitating a safety protocol that delayed the completion of the show. Although there were supposed to be screens displaying a countdown, many attendees found the execution severely lacking.

Safety Concerns

Attendee safety was a paramount concern that night. Reports of chaotic crowd control practices emerged, with some revellers pushing dangerously through crowded areas, raising alarms about potential stampedes. “Young children were separated from their parents, and people were having panic attacks,” one attendee reported. Licudan agreed, stressing the dangerous atmosphere provoked by the dense crowd.

Mixed Experiences

While some enjoyed the festivities, posting messages about their good time, the overwhelming response reflects the need for improvements. “People just don't understand how to manage expectations at a free event in such a busy area,” one user noted, underscoring the disparity between experiences.

Looking Forward

In light of the feedback, Lefebvre assured the public that all safety measures were in place and no major incidents were reported. Additionally, Montreal police indicated there were no arrests or injuries linked to the event. He vowed that lessons learned from this year would lead to a stronger and more organized celebration in 2024.

As Montreal prepares for next year's festivities, questions remain: Will they address the technical glitches and crowd control issues? Will the promised spectacular show return, ensuring that attendees leave with memories to cherish rather than regrets? Stay tuned for what could be another heated New Year’s Eve in the heart of the city!