Seine, Stars And Sustainability: An Spectacular Guide To Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 this evening is expected to be a grand and memorable event. This event is set to be the most ambitious in Olympic history as the Parade of Nations shifts from land to water.

Over 10,000 athletes will sail down Paris's Seine River, making their grand entrance to the Olympic Games via boat. Traditionally, the parade involves processing into a stadium, nation by nation, but French organizers envisioned something grander.

"An opening ceremony has never been held outside of a stadium," said Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the opening ceremony. "There is no model; it's absolute creation."

Free-Flowing Ceremony

The ceremony will take place in the heart of Paris rather than a stadium for the first time. The world's Olympic teams will parade along the River Seine in boats, watched by about 300,000 spectators. The flotilla will carry more than 10,000 athletes along a 6km route along the waterway.

Organisers hope Friday's spectacle is free-flowing amid a massive security operation involving tens of thousands of police. French President Emmanuel Macron admitted earlier this year that backup plans were prepared in case challenges proved insurmountable.

The extravaganza will depart from the Austerlitz Bridge, sail by Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and arrive near the Eiffel Tower. Along the way, it will pass under bridges and gateways, including the Pont des Arts and Pont Neuf, while taking in many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Organisers have promised “there won’t be a single riverbank or bridge that won’t be filled with music, dance or performance”, adding that they will take advantage of the historic monuments, the riverbanks, the sky and water.

The Glorious City of Light

The boats will pass some of Paris's best-known landmarks during their journey, including Notre-Dame cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, before reaching Trocadéro. The event will conclude as the sun sets over the city's west side, which organisers hope will further solidify Paris's legend as the City of Lights.

The 2024 Olympics hasn't even started and host city Paris has already provided some prime photography moments. People in Paris recently got to witness a spectacular sight ahead of Olympics 2024, when the moon lined up perfectly with the Olympic rings displayed at the iconic Eiffel Tower on July 24.

Cameras on Every Boat

Organisers promise cameras on each boat to show athletes up close. However, it remains to be seen how this arrangement scales for different-sized delegations. For instance, the USA is sending nearly 600 competitors while some smaller nations have only one representative each.

Dozens of vessels will be used with help from local boat firms. Athletes given the job of carrying their team's flag will be spotlighted. From the UAE, equestrian rider Omar Al Marzouqi and cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh will be flag-bearers at Friday's opening ceremony.

Music Extravaganza

As confirmed by French newspaper Le Parisien, Céline Dion, Lady Gaga, and Aya Nakamura will perform at the event. Dion and Gaga are set to duet on an Édith Piaf classic, likely "La Vie en Rose," while Nakamura will sing a Charles Aznavour hit, accompanied by the Republican Guard.

Tonight's performance will be Dion's first in years, following her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, which led to the cancellation of several live shows. Let's look at her magical performance in 1996.

Other French talents will also grace the stage, including a duet between pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet. Additionally, there will be a B2B set featuring singer Philippe Katerine and drummer Cerrone, as well as a unique collaboration between opera singer Marina Viotti and heavy metal band Gojira.

A Mystery Torchbearer

The Olympic torch travelled from Greece to Paris in a relay that began over three months ago. It was briefly transported on the world's longest rowing boat - the 24-seat Stampfli Express. Tradition dictates that the final torchbearer's identity remains secret until revealed during the televised event.

The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 pm (1730 GMT) at the Pont d’Austerlitz and will come to the end of its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro, right next to the Eiffel Tower, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

It’s still unknown who will light the Olympic cauldron, but according to reports, this honour will be given to French track and field athlete and three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec. Football star Zinédine Zidane is also said to be a candidate.

The festivities will be adorned with music and dance performances as well as light shows. According to the Parisien newspaper, 400 dancers and 3,000 artists will perform - probably also on the bridges over the Seine.

The organizers want to present the French cultural heritage in 12 different scenes. Skate and BMX stars are also expected to put on a show.

Previous torchbearers include Muhammad Ali in Atlanta (1996) and Aboriginal sprinter Cathy Freeman in Sydney (2000). Among those who've carried it so far are French footballer Thierry Henry and judo star Romane Dicko. Rapper Snoop Dogg will also participate in carrying the torch before the ceremony begins.

Sustainable Bold Looks

The athletes' parade always showcases bold looks, especially with this year's Olympics taking place in one of fashion's capitals. Stella Jean designed eye-catching outfits for Haiti to project a vibrant image of the Caribbean nation.

But the best look that broke the internet is Mongolia's. Mongolia's opening and closing ceremony uniforms were designed by the three-sister fashion label Michel&Amazonka. Each uniform, requiring an average of 20 hours to craft, features a blend of cultural and Olympic-themed motifs.

Intricate details include Mongolia's emblem, the "Soyombo"; Parisian and Olympic symbols, like the Olympic torch and rings; and representations of mountain and cloud landscapes.

The event organisers say around 3,000 unique costumes have been made for both Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies in a secretive workshop near Paris. Many costumes are made from recycled materials to stress the Games' green ethos.

Royalty In Attendance

Spectators should watch for sporting superstars among athletes and celebrities or dignitaries in attendance. Approximately 120 heads of state, government officials, and representatives are anticipated to attend the opening ceremony, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US First Lady Jill Biden. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be present, according to Le Parisien. The Games will be officially inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Among Hollywood celebrities, Oscar winner Charlize Theron, The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, actor Zendaya, singer Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dog and Emma Chamberlain have arrived in Paris for the event.

The ceremony begins at 9:30 pm and lasts just under four hours with many details kept secret for surprises. Re-live the best Olympics moments here.