For the second year in a row, Miami’s iconic Big Orange will not rise to ring in the New Year due to COUD-18.
The Big Orange countdown has been a New Year’s Eve tradition in South Florida for more than three decades; but on Tuesday, the city of Miami announced this year’s drop has been cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the assembly crew.
According the Miami Herald, "even though the Orange won’t make an appearance, for now, the rest of the celebration will continue, with fireworks and a concert with appearances by Willy Chirino, Gente de Zona, Nacho Chacal and Yotuel. The party will also be broadcast on América TeVé WJAN-Channel 41 and its affiliates as well as the city of Miami’s YouTube channel starting at 6 p.m"
The Big Orange traditionally rises up the side of the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami.
In its place, the city announced a digitized laser "Big Orange" will be created with the traditional countdown clock.
Last year would have been the 35th anniversary of the Big Orange countdown, but the celebration was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.