In a bold and original gesture, the French have started the Olympic Games of Paris 2024 with an unprecedented ceremony that defies tradition. More than 6,000 athletes paraded on the waters of the River Seine, in a tour of the most emblematic places in the city of light.
French theatre director Thomas Jolly designed this opening party, which moves away from conventional stadiums and immerses itself in the beauty of Paris. That is to say, the opening of these Olympic Games will be unlike any seen in a century of competition.
Aboard nearly a hundred boats, the athletes covered six kilometres along the Seine, from the Austerlitz bridge to the Grand Palais in Paris. During this journey, they passed by Olympic venues such as the Parc Urbane de la Concorde and Les Invalides.
The diversity of France and its national motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” were the main themes of the ceremony. More than 3,500 artists took part in the event, creating a unique spectacle that celebrated culture, history and Olympic passion.
But it wasn’t all art and beauty. Safety was also a priority. With 45,000 police officers and 10,000 soldiers, Paris guaranteed the protection of the 300,000 spectators and invited foreign dignitaries.
Fighter jets, surveillance drones and sniper helicopters flew overhead. The ceremony opened with a popular parade on the iconic Champs Elysées, where up to 184 delegations from around the world joined in the celebrations.
Novel
The athletes, together with the officials, shared an unforgettable and festive moment, marking the start of an Olympic Games that promise to be historic. Paris 2024 has broken the mould and shown that creativity and passion can transform even the most deep-rooted traditions.
This opening ceremony will go down in history as a milestone in Olympic history, a tribute to the grandeur of Paris and the universal spirit of sport. Paris was chosen as the venue for the Olympic Games. Olympic Games and the 2024 Paralympics due to its rich history and the diversity of its venues.
