Fireworks explode over the Parthenon to mark the beginning of the new year in Athens. Thousands of residents celebrated by attending free concerts at Syntagma, Kotzia and Klafthmonos squares. New Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis, who took over yesterday, said he hoped 2007 would be a year of progress for Greece, while also being free of wars, the bombing of innocent civilians and ‘unacceptable’ public executions.