NAIROBI, Kenya- The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris with an unprecedented and breathtaking ceremony along the River Seine, replacing the traditional stadium setting with a stunning waterway spectacle.
Thousands of athletes sailed past vibrant performers, transforming the city’s iconic landmarks into a stage for the “greatest show on Earth.”
For the first time, the Olympics swapped a stadium for a river, creating a mesmerizing four-hour display.
French judo legend Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit the cauldron, a hot air balloon-shaped beacon, that ascended into the Parisian night sky.
Blue, white, and red fireworks illuminated the Tricolore above Austerlitz Bridge as 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations journeyed on 85 boats past Paris’ most famous sites.
Surprise performances added to the spectacle, with US singer-songwriter Lady Gaga delivering a cabaret number and Canadian icon Celine Dion making an emotional return.
Despite the lashing rain forcing athletes to don ponchos and umbrellas, the lively journey through French history, art, and sport captivated the audience, featuring 2,000 musicians, dancers, and other artists.
The day began with disruptions due to arson attacks on the French train network and evening rain thwarting artistic director Thomas Jolly’s plan to use the Parisian sun to “make the water sparkle.”
Nonetheless, the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the participants and spectators.
The final two boats featured the largest contingents, with the US as the next hosts for Los Angeles 2028 and France as the current host.
Paris, hosting the Summer Games for the third time and the first in 100 years, delivered an opening ceremony to remember.
Opening the 33rd Summer Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, emphasizing their role in an event that “unites the world in peace.” More than 10,500 athletes will compete across 32 sports, with the Games concluding on August 11.
The Paris 2024 Olympics’ innovative opening ceremony set the stage for an unforgettable experience, blending tradition with modernity and showcasing the spirit of unity and competition.
As athletes from around the world gather to compete, the message of peace and collaboration resonates more than ever.
