– The Paris 2024 Olympic Games kicked off in a groundbreaking way as the Opening Ceremony took place in the heart of the city for the first time. Delegations paraded along the Seine River, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators. The ceremony featured stunning performances by Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Céline Dion.
**A Ceremony Like No Other**
For the first time, the Opening Ceremony happened outside a stadium, making it the most accessible ever. Paris’s famous landmarks and the Seine River provided a beautiful backdrop for the show, directed by Thomas Jolly. The event combined the athletes’ parade with artistic performances and speeches, led by a mysterious masked torchbearer.
**Humor and Tradition**
The ceremony started with a humorous moment involving comedian Jamel Debbouze, who mistakenly thought he was starting the ceremony at an empty Stade de France. Football legend Zinedine Zidane then took the torch from Debbouze and carried it from the stadium to the Seine.
Later, Olympic legends Michael Phelps and Martin Fourcade presented the athletes’ medals, decorated with pieces of the Eiffel Tower.
**Athletes’ Parade on the Seine**
The Greek delegation, as tradition dictates, was the first to greet the crowd on the quays of the Seine. A water curtain opened to let their boat pass under the Austerlitz Bridge, starting the parade. Athletes paraded on boats for 6 kilometers, enjoying a beautifully choreographed water show and receiving applause from the public.
**Lady Gaga Celebrates French Culture**
Lady Gaga launched the artistic part of the ceremony at Place Barye, paying homage to French music hall. She performed “Mon truc en plume” by Zizi Jeanmaire, highlighting the connection between French culture and the world.
**Aya Nakamura and the Republican Guard**
On the Pont des Arts, Aya Nakamura performed her hits “Pookie” and “Djadja,” along with Charles Aznavour’s classics “For me formidable” and “La bohème.” Accompanied by the French Army Choir, her performance symbolized the blending of different eras and cultures.
**A Grand Finale**
The ceremony ended with French sports legends Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner lighting the Olympic Cauldron, officially opening the Games. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are now underway!
Follow Us: