The Olympic Games in Paris have opened. © APA/afp / MARTIN BERNETTI

Lots of rain and glamour: Olympic Games are open

The XXXIII Olympic Games in history have begun! On Friday, an opening ceremony took place in Paris the likes of which humanity has never seen before. Even the miserable weather couldn't dampen the mood.

July 26, 2024

From: dpa/det

Lady Gaga provided great elegance with a revue performance in the shadow of the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral, and basketball superstar LeBron James proudly waved the US flag in the impressive boat parade across the Seine. Despite the constant rain, the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games turned into a brightly colored show with spectacular images along the landmarks of Paris - and also sent a message of peace to the world.

At 22.54:70 p.m., French President Emmanuel Macron declared the games open. IOC President Thomas Bach had previously linked his speech with the hope for a better political situation in the world. "Now we are part of an event that unites the world in peace," said the 206-year-old. "In a world torn apart by wars and conflicts, thanks to this solidarity we can all come together this evening and unite the athletes of XNUMX National Olympic Committees and the IOC refugee team."

It was a show with a lot of flair and a variety of show acts. From French chansons to French cancan, high-wire acts and a catwalk to the DJ set - France wanted to show itself to be entertaining and versatile in the enormously elaborate show.

Rain poncho an important utensil

Only the weather did not play along. Gray skies and heavy rain marred the colorful parade in front of around 320.000 spectators, including 120 heads of state and government such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spanish King Felipe VI. However, the VIP box was at least dry, while otherwise the rain poncho was one of the most important items.

Captivating images from Paris. © APA/afp / FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT

Paris is hosting the Summer Games for the third time after 1900 and 1924. A mega-event that poses a major challenge even for the event-experienced French capital and raises security concerns. This is all the more true after arson attacks were carried out on the French high-speed rail network just a few hours before the opening ceremony. Acting French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal spoke of a "coordinated act of sabotage". 800.000 people are believed to have been affected by the attacks.

Opening ceremony in the water for the first time

But that shouldn't spoil the mood. A total of 85 boats were available for the 6.800 athletes at the opening ceremony. For the first time in the history of the games, the ceremony was not held in a stadium, but on the water. The athletes sailed a six-kilometer route from the Pont d'Austerlitz past twelve stage sets with around 2.000 artists to the Trocadéro at the Eiffel Tower.

Lady Gaga provided a highlight. © ANSA / ARIS MESSINIS

Lady Gaga opened the show with a big musical performance, again singing in French. A number of celebrities watched the spectacle from the stands along the Seine, including Olympic icon Carl Lewis, Boris Becker and pop stars Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande. The most expensive tickets cost 2.700 euros, but there were also free seats.

Over the next two weeks, around 10.500 athletes will compete for medals in 329 disciplines. The competitions at world-famous locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and even surfing in Tahiti are expected to provide magnificent images.