COVID foils Big Orange’s return to New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Miami

For the second year in a row, the Big Orange won’t be counting down to the New Year in downtown Miami.

The Big Orange countdown — often referred to as a “drop” even though the Orange in question rises up the side of the Intercontinental Hotel as the old year makes way for the new — has been canceled again, the city of Miami announced Tuesday night on Twitter.

In its place, a digitized laser “Big Orange” will be created with the traditional countdown clock, the city said.

Steve Carpenter, known around town as Mr. Neon, told Local 10 earlier on Tuesday that he and his staff tested positive for COVID-19 after Christmas.

But 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.

Last year, the entire celebration was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. It was the first time in three decades Miami rang in a New Year without the iconic Orange.

Reporter Omar Rodríguez Ortiz contributed to this report.

This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 12:32 PM.