Opening ceremony Olympic Games Paris 2024. Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Olympics / Pascal Le Segretain/ GettyImages / Lintao Zhang / Jamie Squire / Hector Vivas / Cameron Spencer / Stephanie Lecocq – Pool / Lady Gaga / Celine Dion.
A Night to Remember: The Spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
The world turned its gaze towards the City of Lights as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games kicked off with an opening ceremony that was nothing short of magical. A night filled with breathtaking performances, historical tributes, and the spirit of global unity, the ceremony set an unforgettable tone for the weeks to come.
A Symbol of Freedom
The ceremony opened with a nod to a powerful symbol of French liberty: the Phrygian cap. This soft, red hat, historically worn by freed slaves in ancient Phrygia and later by revolutionaries during the French Revolution, was prominently featured. Marianne, the national personification of France and the inspiration behind the Paris 2024 emblem, often dons this cap, representing freedom and democracy.
A Warm Welcome in the Heart of Paris
As the Olympic Flame journeyed across the sea, skies, and land to arrive in Paris, the city’s iconic landmarks transformed into the world’s grandest sports stage. Eighty artists from the Moulin Rouge, adorned in chic pink costumes, performed an electrifying dance that harks back to the 1820s, igniting the crowd’s excitement.
Lady Gaga Performance at the Opening Ceremony
Lady Gaga, known for her dramatic flair and powerful voice, took the stage with a heartfelt message. “I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris Olympics 2024 this year. I am also humbled to be asked by the Olympics organizing committee to sing such a special French song—a song to honor the French people and their tremendous history of art, music, and theatre,” she said, encapsulating the evening’s sentiment. Lady Gaga wore custom Dior.
A Rain-Soaked Spectacle on the Seine
Paris became an open-air theater with a four-hour spectacle orchestrated by artistic director Thomas Jolly. The River Seine served as the central stage, transforming into a grand parade route where 85 boats carried 6,800 athletes towards the glistening Eiffel Tower. The scene of athletes dancing on the decks of their boats in the rain, spectators lining the quays and bridges, and ballet dancers performing on rooftops was a testament to the creativity and spirit of the occasion.
As the parade made its way to the Trocadero, the world listened in anticipation as French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Paris Olympic Games officially open. The sense of unity and celebration was palpable, echoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach’s words: “Our dream is coming true tonight: a reality for everyone to see. Olympians from all around the globe, showing us what greatness we humans are capable of.”
A Celebration of Unity
In a surprise that left the audience in awe, Celine Dion made her first public appearance in over a year, following her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome. Performing Édith Piaf’s “Hymne à l’amour” from atop the Eiffel Tower, Dion delivered an emotional tribute that resonated deeply with viewers around the world. Her powerful rendition of the iconic love song added an extra layer of poignancy and grandeur to the evening.
The ceremony concluded with a spectacular finale as French Olympic icons Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec carried the Olympic torch. The flame ascended into the sky attached to a hot air balloon, symbolizing the unity and spirit of the Games, as fireworks illuminated the Parisian night.
The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony was a vivid celebration of history, culture, and athletic excellence, marking the beginning of an event that promises to inspire and unite people worldwide. From the dazzling performances to the powerful messages of peace and solidarity, the evening was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympics. As the world welcomes the start of the Games, Paris once again proves it is a city where dreams come to life.
Welcome to Paris 2024! Let the Games begin!
