Unforgettable Highlights from the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Paris has commenced its first Summer Olympics in 100 years with a groundbreaking and rain-drenched opening ceremony.

PARIS, France — The city of lights erupted with vibrancy, mixing tradition and fantasy along the iconic Seine River to mark the start of the highly anticipated Summer Olympics. Though rain poured over the event, Paris did not shy away from putting forth an unforgettable spectacle.

Against the backdrop of historical monuments, the opening ceremony blended multiple forms of art. The festivities included an early appearance of joyous French cancan dancers and a humorous short film starring soccer legend Zinedine Zidane. The mesmerizing plumes of blue, white, and red smoke adorned the sky, while Lady Gaga captivated the audience with a French rendition accompanied by dancers flaunting pink plumed pompoms.

Adding to the musical extravaganza, French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura delivered her hit “Djadja” with the prestigious French Republican Guard orchestra. She emerged from a pyrotechnic display clad in all gold, complementing the grandeur of her performance.

Opera and rock metal collided as the band Gojira unleashed their progressive melodies, joined by mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti’s vocals, bringing an eclectic flair to the show.

The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, resonated powerfully from the Grand Palais’ glass-domed roof, the designated venue for fencing and taekwondo. This rendition saw French President Emmanuel Macron and dignitaries rise in respect.

Women were honored with 10 golden statues of female pioneers, including Olympe de Gouges, a revolutionary figure who campaigned for gender equality and the abolition of slavery. Post-ceremony, these statues will be gifted to the city, emphasizing the Games’ commitment to gender equality.

France had a lot riding on this ambitious event, turning Paris into an enormous open-air theater. Monumental sites along the Seine transformed into stages for performers, facing the immense challenge of managing, transporting, and securing vast crowds, unlike typical stadium-based openings.

Despite the relentless rain, a sense of optimism permeated the air, resonating with Paris’ resilient motto of being unsinkable. The parade of athletes began dramatically, with boats traversing torrents of water cascading from Austerlitz Bridge. The visual homage to the splendiferous fountains of Versailles Palace was unmistakable.

Following Olympic tradition, Greek athletes opened the parade, succeeded by the refugee team and other nations listed in French alphabetical order. Paris diverged from conventional ceremonies by blending the parade with ongoing pageantry, fostering an immersive experience.

As the parade proceeded along the Seine, the ripple effects were visible, reflecting the anticipation and intricacies of the river. A striking metal horse, steered by Gendarmerie officer Floriane Issert as “the representation of the Olympic spirit and of Sequana,” navigated the shimmering waters beneath historic bridges, unfurling dove wings as a peace gesture.

Eventually, the ceremony reached a climactic point as crowds marvelled at the Eiffel Tower’s illuminating show despite drizzles. Spectators arrived well in advance, albeit grumbling about delays in seating arrangements.

Renowned French-Canadian singer Celine Dion concluded the opening ceremony with a mesmerizing performance from the Eiffel Tower.

Despite logistical frustrations, Paris showcased its iconic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, creating a grandeur atmosphere. Award-winning director Thomas Jolly wove the city’s rich history into the show’s narrative, intending to rejuvenate Paris’ image and convey the Games’ themes of sustainability and innovation.

The security measures were robust, with extensive sections of central Paris cordoned off and a vast no-fly zone in effect. The exact details of many show elements were closely guarded to maintain the surprise, including the identity of the person set to light the Olympic cauldron. As athletes journeyed along the Seine, they were treated to views of historic landmarks repurposed for the Games, including Concorde Plaza and the golden-domed resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Paris aimed to demonstrate France’s capacity for extraordinary achievements, leaving an indelible mark on global audiences.

NBC and the Associated Press contributed to this report.