About 150,000 Muscovites and guests of the Russian capital took part in New Year's celebration on Moscow's Red Square and surrounding areas, a police official said.

"No major incidents were registered during the festivities," the source told RIA Novosti.

Police earlier said over 50 people on Moscow's Red Square were detained on New Year's Eve for an attempt to hold an unauthorized protest rally near the Kremlin.

According to recent reports, all detainees have been released after receiving administrative warnings.

Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in his two-minute televised New Year's address to the nation that 2009 "was not the easiest year in the life of the country," and thanked the Russian citizens for their ability to cope with difficulties.

He expressed hope that Russia would continue its steady progress toward a brighter future.

"We must strive to create a strong and modern state, a stable and 'smart' economy. We must do everything possible to make the life of every citizen comfortable and secure," Medvedev said.

New Year festivities in Red Square

MOSCOW, January 1 (RIA Novosti)