For the first time since the 9/11 terror attacks, U.S. Independence Day fireworks lit up the sky over the Hudson River as New Yorkers celebrated the nation's 233rd birthday Saturday night.

It's the nation's biggest fireworks display, with more than 22 tons of pyrotechnics exploding over 2.4 km of the river. That's the length of 25 city blocks between 24th and 50th streets.

The fireworks were set off from six barges moored on the river.

The fireworks display, previously held over the East River, was moved to the Hudson in honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage up the river that now bears his name.

Tens of thousands of people have lined up both sides of river to watch.

Source: Xinhua