Paris Pulls Off Dazzling Opening Ceremony Along the Seine River
When organisers first revealed plans to hold the opening ceremony along the river in the heart of the city, rather than in a stadium as is usual, there were some raised eyebrows and questions over how they would manage such a huge security operation.
The Seine itself had been under scrutiny for water cleanliness, while simply the logistics of transporting thousands of athletes along a six-kilometre stretch of river without a dress rehearsal seemed ambitious.
But on Friday evening, backed by a security operation involving tens of thousands of police, Paris pulled off its plan in dazzling fashion.
The ceremony was a mix of bizarre, frenetic, and emotional moments. From Lady Gaga singing in French to Bangladesh’s athletes being introduced on their boat, the event was a spectacle to behold.
Athletes on flag-waving boats passed by iconic landmarks like the Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, and Arc de Triomphe, while being treated to 12 artistic segments.
One segment focused on rebuilding Notre Dame, while another explored French history with performances from Les Miserables and a French heavy metal band.
The ceremony ended with the passing of the flame to sporting greats like Zinedine Zidane, Rafael Nadal, Nadia Comaneci, and Serena Williams, who carried it towards the Louvre.
The highlight of the evening was Celine Dion’s powerful rendition of Edith Piaf’s L’Hymne a l’amour at the Eiffel Tower, marking her first performance since revealing a serious neurological condition in December 2022.
Overall, the opening ceremony along the Seine River was a magical and unforgettable experience for all who witnessed it.
