PARIS (Diya TV) – The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was a historic and groundbreaking event, marking the first time the ceremony was held outside of a stadium. Instead, the Seine River served as the venue, transforming Paris into a massive, open-air stage. The ceremony featured nearly 160 boats carrying 10,500 athletes from 206 nations along a six-kilometer route, starting from the Austerlitz Bridge and ending at the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower.
The event was carefully planned, with rehearsals and extensive preparations ensuring everything from safety measures to transportation modifications were in place. The Paris Organizing Committee collaborated with stakeholders to accommodate spectators, which included 100,000 ticketed seats on the lower banks and 200,000 free spots on the upper banks, primarily for locals and families from underprivileged areas.
Artistic director Thomas Jolly envisioned a ceremony that showcased French culture through diverse performances, including opera, rap, and traditional dance. Over 3,000 artists, including 400 dancers, performed on the bridges along the parade route, all dressed in unique costumes.
Adding to the spectacle, the athletes’ parade was a vibrant display of national pride and cultural diversity. Each nation showcased distinct uniforms designed by luxury brands, with standout appearances including Team USA’s preppy jackets with jeans and Mongolia’s intricately embroidered traditional outfits.
The Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony showcased the cultural richness of Paris and its ability to host a global event on a large scale. The use of the Seine River provided a stunning backdrop and was a hallmark of creativity. As the Games proceed, the opening ceremony will be remembered as a testament to Paris’s spirit and the unity that’s associated with the Olympics.
