MANILA, Philippines - Powerful firecrackers have injured at least 546 people as Filipinos welcomed the new year in a tradition that is among the world's most festive and dangerous.

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Officials said Saturday that the 546 injuries from firecracker blasts and celebratory gunfire from December 21 to early Saturday were higher than the same period the previous year.

Many Filipinos, largely influenced by Chinese tradition, believe that noisy New Year's celebrations drive away evil and misfortune. But they have carried that superstition to extremes.