NEW YORK — One person wanted to get past anger issues. Others tried to turn the page on medical bills, work stress, insecurities, taxes, regrets, bad habits, bad hair days, COVID-19, worrying about what other people think, and “all the negativity of 2023.”
People hoping to shake off these and other problems gathered in Times Square Thursday for “Good Riddance Day,” a promotional event leading up to New Year's Eve that offers a chance to, at least symbolically, shed burdens, annoyances and bad memories. to shake off.
“The whole world is experiencing this. There are many people with bad experiences. Wars, inflation, life has been hard. I just hope that 2024 gives everyone a break from those horrible things,” said Angel Villaneuva of Washington after seeing his personal curses – bad relationships and negative energy and experiences – go up in smoke.
Previous versions of “Good Riddance Day” involved chippers and a dumpster. But this year, magician Devonte Rosero took a grill lighter to pieces of paper on which Villaneuva and others had written what they wanted to leave behind.
For Carol Vera, that means fast food and unhealthy snacks, now that she knows she has high cholesterol. But on a broader level, the New Yorker is sad about conflicts around the world.
“We should focus on humanity, instead of fighting each other,” Vera said.
Natasha Naheir wanted to be done with college applications, school, bad hair and makeup days, and fake friends. Naheir, who was visiting from North Carolina, is excited about 2024: “There's a lot we can improve on from this year,” she said.
Despite all the problems of 2023, Villaneuva is also optimistic.
“Some people may think it's too good to be true to be hopeful or wish for something, but I like to stay hopeful and positive,” he said.
___
Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed.