Paris has officially launched its first Summer Olympics in a century with a spectacular and unconventional opening ceremony on Friday. The city, known for its revolutionary spirit, showcased its resilience amid significant challenges, including suspected sabotage that disrupted the high-speed rail network.
Before the ceremony, Paris faced major travel disruptions due to coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines, compounded by rainy weather. These issues created a challenging situation for organizers and attendees, dampening the mood leading up to the event. Despite this, the grand opening at 7:30 p.m. managed to lift spirits with a breathtaking show.
The ceremony featured a humorous short film with soccer legend Zinedine Zidane and a performance by Lady Gaga, who sang in French. The show included vibrant displays of French blue, white, and red smoke, and dancers with pink pom-poms, adding a touch of cabaret to the festivities. As Olympic teams paraded along the River Seine in boats, the crowd responded with enthusiasm.
I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris @Olympics 2024 this year. I am also humbled to be asked by the Olympics organizing committee to sing such a special French song—a song to honor the French people and their tremendous history of art, music, and… pic.twitter.com/FMNyiosHUR
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) July 26, 2024
The Flame is here! Are you ready for this 6km celebration of sport along the iconic River Seine? 🌉
Are you ready for the Olympic Games Paris 2024? 🙌#Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/sfHRiqcwIS
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024
Paris made a bold choice by holding the opening ceremony outdoors along the River Seine, turning the city into a massive open-air theater. This decision meant dealing with the complexities of larger crowds and heightened security. The ceremony stretched along a 6-kilometer (nearly 4-mile) route, showcasing Paris’ iconic landmarks.
Lady Gaga performing on the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024
Despite the rain, the ceremony proceeded as planned. The Paris Games’ chief organizer, Tony Estanguet, expressed confidence that the event would adapt to the weather conditions. The event was designed to be resilient in the rain, though it made the experience more challenging for both athletes and spectators.
Security was a top priority, with large areas of central Paris fenced off and a no-fly zone established around the city. Up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, along with 10,000 soldiers, were deployed to ensure the safety of the event and its guests.
The ceremony’s highlights included a dramatic parade of athletes on boats along the Seine, passing by historic landmarks that were temporarily transformed into Olympic sports venues. For instance, the Grand Palais hosted fencing and taekwondo, while the Concorde Plaza featured skateboarding.
The final details of the ceremony, including the identity of the Olympic torchbearers, were kept secret until the last moment. French President Emmanuel Macron and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach were present at the ceremony. The torch lighting, rumored to include prominent figures such as Zidane or survivors of the 2015 attacks, was one of the most anticipated moments.
The goal of the Paris Olympics was not only to host a successful event but also to showcase the city’s ability to achieve exceptional feats. With the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks as a backdrop, Paris aimed to impress the world and boost national pride.
Overall, the opening ceremony was a testament to Paris’ creativity and determination, despite the challenges faced in the lead-up to the Games.
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