The 2024 Olympics kicked off in breathtaking style on Friday, with a historic opening ceremony that saw thousands of athletes parading along the iconic River Seine, surrounded by vibrant performances on bridges, riverbanks, and rooftops.
For the first time ever, the opening of the “greatest show on earth” swapped traditional stadium settings for a scenic waterway.
The nearly four-hour spectacle reached a climax when French sports legends Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec ignited a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon, soaring high above the Parisian skyline.
As red, white, and blue fireworks lit up Austerlitz Bridge, 6,800 athletes representing 205 nations embarked on 85 boats and barges, sailing past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
The ceremony was enriched with surprise performances, including a dazzling cabaret number by American icon Lady Gaga and an emotional appearance by Canadian superstar Celine Dion.
Despite early disruptions caused by arson attacks on the French train network and heavy rainfall that forced athletes into rain ponchos, the event maintained its lively spirit.
Artistic director Thomas Jolly had envisioned using the Parisian sun to “make the water sparkle,” but the day was marked by a vibrant narrative of French history, art, and athleticism, brought to life by over 2,000 musicians, dancers, and artists.
The U.S. delegation—preparing to host the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles—was among the last to sail, followed closely by France, which boasts the largest number of athletes in the parade.
Great Britain’s flagbearers, rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley, led their contingent with pride.
In his address, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach reminded the assembled athletes that they were now part of an event that “unites the world in peace.”
Over 10,500 competitors are set to participate across 32 sports throughout the Games, which will conclude on August 11.
The 33rd Summer Olympics not only marks Paris’s return as host for the third time but also celebrates a century since the city last welcomed the Games.
