Thousands of Olympic competitors cruised down the scenic River Seine in a truly spectacular opening ceremony for the highly anticipated Paris Games on Friday. This extraordinary event celebrated the rich history and vibrant culture of France, delighting a large crowd that remained undeterred by the persistent rain that fell throughout the festivities.
For the very first time in the history of the Olympics, the opening ceremony took place outside of a traditional stadium venue, as up to 7,000 athletes proudly paraded down the Seine, showcasing their talents and representing their countries while passing by the iconic historic monuments of the enchanting French capital. This unprecedented approach offered a fresh perspective on the ceremony, allowing the athletes to sail in a picturesque armada of 85 illuminated boats instead of simply making the customary walk around a running track.
In an effort to leave a lasting impression, chief organizer Tony Estanguet stated that they wanted to create a memorable atmosphere for both the participants and the spectators. After all, it was an opportunity to showcase French culture on a global stage. A significant crowd of approximately 300,000 spectators gathered in person from specially constructed stands lined along the river banks, while another estimated 200,000 viewers took advantage of their balconies and apartments to witness the event from above.
As is the tradition within Olympic ceremonies, the Greek delegation was given the distinguished honour of leading out the impressive flotilla since Greece is known as the cradle of the modern Olympic movement. The show artfully blended elements of French culture and history, and a pre-recorded cabaret-style segment featuring the acclaimed U.S. pop star Lady Gaga was a prominent highlight in the early stages of the parade, captivating the audience with glamour and excitement.
In a further celebration of diversity, the renowned Franco-Malian R&B superstar Aya Nakamura took the stage, eliciting cheers from the crowd while also facing criticism from some far-right activists who had condemned her presence. These critics had accused the 29-year-old singer, who is best known for her infectious hit “Djadja,” of promoting “vulgarity” and disrespecting the French language through her lyrics. Despite the backlash, her performance resonated with many and showcased the celebration of multiculturalism at the event.
Adding to the vibrancy of the occasion, dozens of pink-skirted can-can dancers wowed audiences along the banks of the Seine, providing a stunning splash of colour and energy that lit up the dreary weather. The magnificent landmarks and striking architecture of the City of Light served as a glorious backdrop not only for Friday’s ceremony but also for much of the sporting events set to take place in the days to come.
Paris has set its sights on creating a vision for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly Olympics compared to previous editions, with competitions organized at historical and cherished locations throughout the capital, enhancing both spectatorship and the overall experience. The planning reflects a commitment to sustainability and a desire to leave a positive legacy.
Amidst the heavy downpour and a wave of attacks that had paralyzed France’s high-speed rail network earlier on Friday, Tony Estanguet, the chief organizer, expressed his confidence before the ceremony began, stating that he believed they would be able to deliver “a great party” for everyone engaging with the event.
Despite the adverse weather and logistical challenges presented by the rain, some spectators managed to maintain their spirits. “I’ve got such an adrenaline rush. It’s incredibly exciting,” exclaimed Selene Martinez, who had traveled all the way from Mexico specifically for this momentous ceremony.
Long queues formed at various access points along the Seine hours before the start of the parade, as excited fans eagerly anticipated the festivities. After passing through thorough security scanning and checkpoints, the first arrivals were greeted by an array of numerous floating stages that had been installed in the river channel, as well as bridges adorned with flags displaying the vibrant pink and purple colours of the Games.
“The atmosphere is really friendly,” said 75-year-old Frenchman Jean-Yves Herve, who was enjoying the memorable show alongside his granddaughter. “There are lots of foreigners, and we are delighted to be a part of it. It’s really good for France.”
A massive security operation was put in place for the ceremony, with a significant security perimeter erected along both banks of the Seine to ensure everyone’s safety. The ceremony was guarded by around 45,000 police and paramilitary officers, complemented by another 10,000 soldiers and 22,000 private security personnel who helped to fortify the overall security operation.
Police snipers were strategically positioned on vantage points along the river, which is overlooked by hundreds of buildings providing an elevated perspective on the proceedings. This extensive security presence reflected the heightened concerns surrounding potential threats.
French security forces remained on high alert, aiming to prevent any terror attacks from spoiling the excitement and significance of the first Olympic Games to be held in Paris in a century. In addition, the risk of sabotage from hostile foreign powers had also been identified as a potential threat.
French officials, however, declined to comment on the identity of those responsible for the rail sabotage, which appeared to have been carried out by individuals with a sophisticated understanding of the train network. This incident impacted 800,000 passengers and disrupted several Eurostar services crossing the Channel, thwarting British sports fans from attending the Olympic events.
Historically, far-left French anarchists have targeted the train network with arson attacks, raising suspicions among security agencies. Furthermore, the possibility of sabotage linked to foreign powers, particularly Russia, remains a concern, as French President Emmanuel Macron has previously indicated potential plans by Russia to target the Games in a bid to cause chaos.
