In a historic spectacle, the 2024 Paris Olympics opened with an unprecedented ceremony along the Seine River. American singer Lady Gaga serenaded the crowd with a French cabaret song near Notre Dame Cathedral, while athletes received a rapturous reception as they paraded on barges.
For the first time, the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium, showcasing the iconic landmarks of Paris. Over 1000 athletes sailed along a six-kilometer stretch of the river, passing by the Louvre, Pont des Arts, and Pont Neuf. The floating parade paid homage to French culture, with dancers performing on rooftops and a giant cancan line by Moulin Rouge dancers.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, marking the start of 16 days of competition. A plume of blue, white, and red smoke resembling the French flag soared above the Seine, and a winged man played accordion, evoking the country’s rich artistic heritage.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura drew thunderous applause with her performance, representing the vibrant modern face of France. However, her inclusion sparked controversy, with some questioning her French identity due to her foreign influences.
Despite the pouring rain, spectators lined the riverbanks, cheering for the athletes and the cultural displays. The ceremony also paid tribute to prominent French women, including former minister Simone Veil, and featured a nod to Hindi as one of the languages used in infographics.
Security was tight, with 45,000 police and thousands of soldiers deployed. Armed police patrolled the river in inflatable boats, and snipers were stationed on rooftops. The Seine’s riverbed was swept for bombs, and Paris’ airspace was closed.
The torchbearer’s identity remained concealed throughout the show, appearing on rooftops and walking through the empty corridors of the Louvre. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the gold, silver, and bronze medals by Michael Phelps and Martin Fourcade, the most decorated athletes in Olympic history.
The 2024 Paris Olympics mark the 100th anniversary of the Games being held in the French capital. Over 10,500 athletes will compete for 329 gold medals, with the closing ceremony scheduled for August 11th.
