Sports
2024 Paris Olympics opens with unique Seine River ceremony
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris officially begin with a unique show in the middle of the Seine on Friday evening.
What’s Special About the Opening Ceremony?
For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony won’t be held in a stadium. Instead, over 200 national delegations will sail across the Seine through the centre of Paris, passing landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.
How Does the Ceremony Work?
The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Pont d’Austerlitz and end its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro, near the Eiffel Tower. The final elements of the Olympic protocol and shows, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, will take place here. Reports suggest the honour of lighting the cauldron may go to French track and field athlete and three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec, or football star Zinédine Zidane.
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The festivities will feature music, dance performances, and light shows, with 400 dancers and 3,000 artists performing. Organizers plan to showcase French cultural heritage in 12 different scenes, with skate and BMX stars also expected to perform.
Who is Performing at the Opening Ceremony?
The list of performers remains a closely guarded secret, but rumours suggest superstar Céline Dion and pop icon Lady Gaga may take the stage. Dion had previously canceled her 2023 and 2024 “Courage World Tour” dates in Europe due to illness, making a performance at the opening ceremony a significant and emotional moment for her and her fans.
How Can Fans Watch the Ceremony?
Approximately 300,000 ticket holders will watch the opening ceremony from the banks of the Seine. Additionally, 80 giant screens and strategically-placed speakers will allow fans to experience the show throughout Paris.
Which Politicians Will Attend?
Around 120 heads of state and government representatives are expected to attend, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US First Lady Jill Biden. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be in Paris. The Games will be officially opened by French President Emmanuel Macron.
What is Being Done to Ensure Safety?
Security is a top priority for the Olympic Games in France. About 45,000 security personnel will be on duty for the opening ceremony. The airspace within a 150-kilometer radius of Paris will be closed for the evening, and areas of the Seine along the parade route will be closed to car traffic.
