The eagerly anticipated Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony is just around the corner, ready to immerse the French capital in a whirlwind of athleticism and artistry. Breaking away from tradition, this year’s ceremony promises to be the largest and most innovative Olympic opening event ever.
Helmed by the creative genius Thomas Jolly, the ceremony is set to be a true spectacle, bringing the spirit of the Olympics to the very heart of the City of Lights.
How to watch the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony live?
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When and Where: A Grand Spectacle Awaits
Date and Time: The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024, starting at 7:30 PM CEST (6:30 PM BST, 12:30 PM CDT, and 10:30 AM PDT in the US). The official start of the Summer Games will be marked at 8:24 PM CEST, a time that cleverly reflects the year 2024 in the 24-hour clock (20:24). In India, the ceremony will commence at approximately 11 PM (IST).
Location: In a historic first, the opening ceremony will not be confined to a stadium but will instead unfold along the scenic banks of the River Seine. This open-air celebration will allow an unprecedented number of spectators to witness the grandeur, with initial plans estimating a crowd of 600,000, though logistical considerations have scaled this down to 300,000.
Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony: A Unique Procession
Route and Activities: The six-kilometer route will begin with a dramatic river crossing on the Seine, featuring around 10,500 athletes from various national delegations. Starting from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna, the procession will be led by the Greeks, following tradition. The journey will conclude at the Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower, where 116 boats carrying the athletes will assemble for a breathtaking finale.
Spectator Experience: Attendees along the route will be treated to an array of spectacles, including national anthems, official speeches, the symbolic release of doves, and a series of artistic performances. The ceremony will culminate in a grand display facing the Eiffel Tower, set to begin around 2:30 AM with the arrival of the French boat.
Top Artists Set to Perform in The Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony
Musical Extravaganza: The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony will feature an eclectic mix of musical genres and world-renowned artists. The official theme song, “Parade” by composer Victor Le Manse, will set the tone for the evening, having been first performed during the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Marseille on May 8.
Star Performers Set to Perform in The Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony:
Céline Dion: The legendary singer will pay tribute to the iconic Édith Piaf with a heartfelt rendition, adding a touch of nostalgia and French charm to the ceremony.
Ariana Grande: The American pop sensation is expected to deliver a show-stopping performance, bringing her global hits to the Olympic stage.
Lady Gaga: Known for her theatrical performances, Lady Gaga will captivate the audience with her unique style and powerful vocals.
Snoop Dogg: The 52-year-old American icon will have the honor of being the final torchbearer, carrying the Olympic flame through Saint-Denis, north of Paris.
MC Solaar: The French rapper will join Snoop Dogg in the torch relay, adding a local flavor to the international event.
Sergey Bubka: The retired Ukrainian pole vaulter will also be part of the torchbearer team, highlighting the global unity of the games.
Aya Nakamura: The French superstar will perform a reimagined classic by Charles Aznavour, backed by the prestigious Republican Guard.
Notable Torchbearers: The ceremony will feature prominent figures such as Salma Hayek, BTS’s Jin, French soccer star Thierry Henry, and Belgian singer Mentissa, who will all contribute to the torch relay’s symbolic journey.
A Theme of Simplicity and Grandeur
Creative Direction: Thomas Jolly, renowned for his work on “Starmania” and various acclaimed plays and operas, has taken on the role of artistic director for the Paris 2024 ceremonies. Jolly, an admirer of Shakespearean epics, has collaborated with authors and historians to infuse a sense of simplicity and grandeur into the ambitious project.
Artistic Elements: The opening ceremony will weave together theatre, dance, circus, and opera, creating a rich tapestry of performances that highlight Paris’s cultural heritage. The show will bring the city’s iconic monuments to life and tell stories of the people who live and work near the river, offering a unique glimpse into the local charm of the French capital.
The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony is set to be a monumental celebration, blending athletic excellence with cultural diversity and artistic brilliance. With an impressive lineup of top artists, a groundbreaking outdoor venue, and a creative direction that promises both simplicity and grandeur, this event will captivate audiences worldwide and set the stage for an unforgettable Olympic Games.