The Paris Olympics opening ceremony captivated Parisians, fans, and viewers worldwide. Thousands of athletes floated down the Seine River, officially beginning the 2024 Games. The event was memorable, featuring wet weather, unique performances, and stunning visuals.
On Friday night, the 2024 Olympic Games commenced with an extraordinary opening ceremony in Paris. The event will be remembered as a legendary start to the Games, though perhaps not in the way organizers had envisioned.
Paris Takes Center Stage
The ceremony showcased Paris in all its splendor. Boats carrying athletes floated along the River Seine, passing iconic landmarks before reaching the Trocadero, with the Eiffel Tower, adorned with Olympic rings, serving as a magnificent backdrop. The city’s historic and cultural essence was highlighted through videos of a torchbearer running across rooftops and through famous locations.
Performances throughout the city included a heavy metal act in the Conciergerie, a fashion show catwalk over the river, and Lady Gaga’s tribute to Parisian cabaret culture. Despite the rainy weather, the City of Light shone brilliantly.
Rain Attempts to Steal the Show
Rain began to fall about 30 minutes into the three-and-a-half-hour ceremony, making it one of the wettest in Olympic history. Spectators along the Seine donned ponchos and umbrellas, and many sought shelter as the rain intensified. Despite the weather, the Olympic spirit remained strong. Athletes enthusiastically waved to the crowd, showcasing their excitement ahead of their competitions.
Celine Dion’s Triumphant Return
A stunning light show on the Eiffel Tower preluded Celine Dion’s return to the stage. After battling stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological condition, Dion performed “L’Hymne à l’amour” in a breathtaking display. Clad in white, her powerful voice echoed along the Seine, drawing a massive cheer from the audience. The Eiffel Tower sparkled, creating a magical moment to close the ceremony.
A Parisian Party Atmosphere
The ceremony took on a party vibe with techno and Europop music, colorful dancers, and vibrant performances. A highlight was the performance by heavy metal band Gojira, featuring headless Marie Antoinettes, marking the first time a metal band played at an Olympic opening ceremony. This was complemented by a stirring rendition of “La Marseillaise” from the Grand Palais and the traditional singing of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” accompanied by a burning piano on a floating stage.
Controversial Elements and Backlash
However, the ceremony also incited widespread controversy due to its provocative incorporation of drag-queen-themed imagery involving religious and historical figures. Notable performances included a headless Marie Antoinette adorned with drag-style makeup and a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” featuring drag queens and a large woman with an aureole halo crown. These depictions, alongside three drag queens among the 10,000 torchbearers, have sparked criticism from various commentators. Critics, including Elon Musk and Riley Gaines, have condemned the displays as disrespectful to Christians. French conservative Marion Maréchal defended the event, stating that the provocative elements did not represent the majority of French citizens and were the work of a left-wing minority.
Iconic Moments and Flashes of Paris
As the ceremony continued, the Seine and Paris’s landmarks provided a stunning backdrop. The running of the Olympic Torch illuminated the riverbanks, and the Eiffel Tower’s light show added to the spectacle. Parisian culture was celebrated through various performances, including a rider on a steel horse carrying the Olympic flag down the Seine. The flag was then handed over to be officially raised, symbolizing the Games’ start.
A Magnificent Cauldron Lighting
The torch relay featured notable athletes, including Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, and Tony Parker. The final torchbearers, judo star Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-José Pérec, lit the Olympic cauldron, attached to a giant balloon. This dramatic lighting marked the culmination of an unforgettable ceremony.
The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony set the stage for the Games with its blend of tradition, innovation, and Parisian charm. Despite the rain, the event was a spectacular showcase of the city’s beauty and spirit, promising an exciting and memorable Olympic Games ahead.
