Rain-soaked festivities launch the historic Games with cultural flair and unprecedented security

The Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony along the River Seine, marking the first time the event has been held outside a stadium. Despite torrential rain, around 300,000 spectators gathered to witness the spectacle, showcasing French culture, history, and art.

The parade featured 7,000 athletes on 85 boats cruising past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Highlights included performances from Moulin Rouge dancers, a pink heart in the sky by French air force jets, and a touching tribute to global unity set to John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

Security for the event was unprecedented, with 45,000 officers, AI-assisted surveillance, and closed airspace safeguarding the ceremony. Residents expressed concerns over disruptions, but organizers hope the Games’ grandeur will win hearts as events unfold.

Key moments included Celine Dion’s emotional performance from the Eiffel Tower and President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of the Games’ opening. Paris 2024 also celebrates gender equality, with women making up half of all athletes for the first time.

Amid the pageantry, global tensions loomed. Russian athletes were excluded over the Ukraine invasion, while heightened security measures protected Israeli athletes following geopolitical unrest.

Now open, the Games promise thrilling competitions in stunning venues like beach volleyball near the Eiffel Tower and equestrian events at Versailles, as 10,500 athletes chase their dreams on the world stage.