The Paris 2024 Olympic Games opened in a spectacular display that wowed audiences worldwide. The opening ceremony, held throughout the city rather than in a stadium, featured thousands of athletes and performers parading along the River Seine. The night sky and the Eiffel Tower were lit up in technicolor, creating a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
The Olympic torch made its journey from Greece to Paris, ultimately being handed to former French footballer Zinedine Zidane and then tennis stars Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams. French judo great Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec used the torch to ignite a cauldron, powering a giant hot air balloon that flew over the city to mark the start of the Games.
Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, alongside world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, were in attendance. Various elaborate performances, from Lady Gaga to Celine Dion, entertained the crowd throughout the evening.
Despite the rainy weather, fans and spectators were present in large numbers, with a heightened security presence across the city. The event also featured fleets of team boats sailing down the Seine, with athletes from various countries carrying their flags with pride.
Overall, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony was a visually stunning and culturally rich event that successfully captured the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Source
Photo credit www.bbc.com
