Paris 2024 Olympics Kick Off with Rain-Soaked Glamour and Resilience

The Paris 2024 Olympics began with an unforgettable opening ceremony along the Seine River, featuring a dazzling performance by Lady Gaga. Despite the rain and suspected sabotage targeting trains earlier in the day, the ceremony went on with a display of resilience and grandeur. Lady Gaga’s performance set the tone for an evening filled with star-studded acts, parades, and breathtaking visuals.

Parade of Nations: A Floating Spectacle

The parade of nations was a highlight, with athletes sailing down the Seine in boats, showcasing the beauty and resilience of Paris. Crowds lined the riverbanks and bridges, cheering and waving flags as the athletes passed by. Despite the rain, the enthusiasm was palpable, with many spectators huddling under umbrellas or seeking shelter while still enjoying the spectacle.

Per Olympic tradition, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, led the parade, followed by the Olympic Refugee Team. The rest of the nations followed in French alphabetical order, creating a stunning visual display of global unity and sportsmanship.

A Star-Studded and Unique Ceremony

The ceremony featured a blend of sports and artistic expression, breaking from the tradition of stadium-bound opening ceremonies. French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura performed her hit “Djadja” with the orchestra of the French Republican Guard, adding a touch of local flair. The band Gojira brought their progressive and technical death metal style to the stage, merging opera and rock metal music with mezzo-soprano vocals from singer Marina Viotti.

Paris showcased its iconic landmarks as stages for the event, turning the city into a giant open-air theatre. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum served as backdrops for performances, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Sabotage and Security

The opening ceremony took place amidst suspected acts of sabotage targeting France’s high-speed rail network, causing widespread travel disruptions. French officials described these as coordinated arson attacks, but the spirit of the Olympics prevailed. Despite the challenges, the ceremony went ahead, demonstrating Paris’s determination and resilience.

Security was tight, with up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, plus 10,000 soldiers, safeguarding the event. Large fenced-off stretches of central Paris were locked down, and the skies over the ceremony were declared a no-fly zone for 150 kilometres around.

A Spectacular Start to the Games

The opening ceremony marked the beginning of 16 days of competition, with 6,800 of the 10,500 athletes attending. As the athletes embarked on their journey, they passed historic landmarks temporarily transformed into arenas for Olympic sports, such as Concorde Plaza and the Grand Palais.

French President Emmanuel Macron and IOC President Thomas Bach presided over the event, with Macron stating that the ambitious ceremony initially felt like “a crazy and not very serious idea.” However, as the evening unfolded, it became clear that Paris had successfully showcased its ability to host an exceptional and memorable Olympic Games.