Paris 2024 Olympics: unforgettable opening ceremony and grand spectacle in the rain

A spectacular open-air setting

The ceremony began with a majestic open-air presentation showcasing the natural and architectural wonders of the French capital, living up to its reputation as the most beautiful city in the world. The choice of an iconic setting, with a 6-kilometre route along the Seine, created a deep connection with local history and culture, giving a global audience a captivating glimpse of France's rich heritage.

Standout moments that dazzled the world

Parade of athletes: The delegations from each country paraded proudly on boats, a first in the history of the Olympic Games, with the highlight their passage past the Eiffel Tower, wearing traditional and modern outfits that reflected the diversity and unity of the Olympic community. The moment each country was announced was greeted with enthusiastic applause, creating a global party atmosphere.

Dazzling artistic performances: The ceremony was punctuated by breathtaking artistic performances combining dance, music and technology, evoking the whole history of France as well as its diversity and cultural influences, which make it a unique country in this field. The elaborate choreography and special effects turned the setting into a genuine living tableau, with artists such as Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura and, as a surprise, Céline Dion closing the ceremony from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, creating moments of pure magic.

Tribute to the heroes of the pandemic: One segment of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony was dedicated to the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers, teachers and other everyday heroes were honoured, reminding the whole world of the sacrifices and resilience of those who faced the global health crisis.

Lighting of the Olympic cauldron: Despite the pouring rain, the high point of the evening was the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. Twenty great French champions (10 men and 10 women) brought the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony to a close by passing the flame between them. The secret of their identities was kept under wraps until the last moment, with the whole world discovering them as the relay unfolded. Each of them was told "one by one this week", Tony Estanguet, president of the organising committee, revealed. And to keep the secret until the very end, notably the name of the final torchbearer, the identities of the other bearers were not shared with them.

After this relay of champions, highlighting the men and women who made France shine during their careers, the Olympic flame was passed by centenarian Charles Coste, a living symbol of Olympic history, to Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec. These two icons of French sport, representing judo and athletics respectively, lit the cauldron together, symbolising the passing of the generations and unity across the ages. This handover between generations was a powerful moment, full of meaning and emotion.

An unprecedented, grand ceremony

This 2024 Olympics opening ceremony left its mark through its originality. By taking place outside a stadium, it pushed the boundaries of Olympic tradition, offering an immersive, unprecedented experience. The rain, far from dampening the occasion, added a dramatic and poetic dimension, illustrating the determination and passion of the organisers and participants.

Choosing a natural and urban setting made for a breathtaking staging, showcasing the landscapes and iconic monuments. The lighting and projections magnified the space, creating a perfect harmony between art, culture and sport. The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony was a genuine triumph, blending innovation, emotion and grand spectacle. Despite the weather, it captivated the whole world and laid the foundations for a memorable Olympic fortnight. The images of this evening will stay etched in the memory, reminding everyone of the power of sport and human unity.

Read also: 2024 Olympics: by the numbers, Africa in Paris between history and ambition