A Grand Opening Like No Other
This Friday, July 26, 2024, marked a momentous occasion as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games officially commenced with an opening ceremony that ventured beyond the confines of a stadium and into the heart of Paris. For the first time in history, the Olympic delegations paraded on the Seine, creating a breathtaking spectacle for hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered along the riverbanks. The event, imagined by Paris 2024 and artistic director Thomas Jolly, featured mesmerizing performances by Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Celine Dion, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron by sports legends Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner. As the cauldron soared above the City of Light, the Paris 2024 Games were officially declared open.
The Opening Ceremony of Firsts
Paris broke new ground by moving the Opening Ceremony from a traditional stadium setting to the heart of the city, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to experience the event firsthand. The iconic Seine River and the city’s monuments provided a stunning backdrop for a show that was as grand as it was innovative. Spectators on quays, bridges, rooftops, and even boats had a 360-degree view of the spectacle, making it a true “total show.”
Athletes from 206 Olympic delegations paraded along a six-kilometer route on the Seine, a dramatic departure from the usual stadium circuit. This unprecedented setting underscored the spirit of innovation and inclusivity that defines the Paris 2024 Games.
Humor and Tradition: Jamel Debbouze and Zinedine Zidane
The evening began with a humorous twist as comedian Jamel Debbouze found himself in an empty Stade de France, only to be corrected by his idol, Zinedine Zidane. The football legend then carried the Olympic Torch from the stadium to the Seine, symbolically bridging the past and present of French sport.
A Theatrical Parade on Water
The Greek delegation, as tradition dictates, led the parade. As their boat passed under the Pont d’Austerlitz, a dramatic curtain of water opened, signaling the start of the athlete’s journey along the Seine. The Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” and Paris’s own “Fluctuat Nec Mergitur” adorned the structure, celebrating the reunion of the Olympic Games with Paris.
Michael Phelps and Martin Fourcade, the most decorated Olympians in history, unveiled the coveted medals, set with pieces of the Eiffel Tower, adding a touch of Parisian heritage to the global competition.
Star-Studded Performances
Lady Gaga opened the artistic segment with a nod to the French music hall tradition, performing “Mon truc en plume” in a stunning cabaret-style show. Her performance highlighted the ongoing influence of French culture on the global stage.
Aya Nakamura, accompanied by the French Republican Guard, performed a mix of classic French songs and her contemporary hits, symbolizing the blend of historical and modern influences. Her performance on the Pont des Arts was a testament to the diversity and richness of French music.
A Reimagined National Anthem
Opera singer Axelle Saint-Cirel delivered a powerful rendition of “La Marseillaise” from the glass roof of the Grand Palais. Her blue-white-red dress and the stirring composition by Victor Le Masne brought a collective thrill to French spectators, celebrating the nation’s heritage and unity.
Honoring French Heroines
Golden statues of French heroines like Olympe de Gouges and Simone de Beauvoir emerged from the Seine near the National Assembly, paying tribute to the women who shaped French history. This symbolic gesture highlighted the ceremony’s commitment to gender equality and historical recognition.
A Banquet of Fashion and Celebration
The Debilly Footbridge hosted a giant banquet and fashion show, featuring personalities dressed by young French designers. DJ Barbara Butch transformed the catwalk into a dance floor, welcoming the last 69 delegations in a supercharged atmosphere. The French team, arriving last, was greeted by a rapturous crowd, setting the stage for their home Games.
The Rider of Olympism
A rider on a metal horse, draped in a cape with Olympic rings, symbolically carried the Olympic flag along the Seine. This majestic entrance at the Place du Trocadéro reminded the world of the Olympic ideals of friendship and solidarity.
Tony Estanguet’s Declaration
From the Eiffel Tower stage, Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, celebrated France’s long-standing love affair with the Olympic Games. He recalled the Games’ historical significance and expressed the immense honor and responsibility of hosting the event once more after 100 years.
The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony was a breathtaking blend of tradition and innovation, setting a high bar for what promises to be an extraordinary Games. With its stunning setting, star-studded performances, and heartfelt tributes, the ceremony captured the spirit of Paris and the Olympic ideals, ushering in a new era of global unity and excellence.
For those who missed the live event or wish to relive the magic, NBC Sports will present the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony in its entirety in prime time. Catch the replay at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and experience the unforgettable moments of this historic night.
Stay tuned for more coverage and highlights as the 2024 Paris Olympics continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Just Now News.Press
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