Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony to Be Daring and Joyful, Say Organizers

The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony next Friday promises to be a joyful, daring, and unconventional spectacle, blending artists and athletes in a celebration of Paris, France, and the Games along the Seine River, according to the event’s organizers.

Unlike previous Olympics, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony will not be held in a stadium. Instead, dozens of boats will carry thousands of athletes and performers along a 6km route on the Seine.

“The opening ceremony is crucial for the Olympic Games. It’s vital for the athletes and the host country,” said Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics Organising Committee. “From the beginning, we aimed to be ambitious because we want this ceremony to embody Paris 2024’s bold and unique spirit, showcasing the best of France.”

While specific details about the artists involved and the final torchbearer who will light the Olympic cauldron remain confidential, the ceremony’s artistic team has been rehearsing privately to maintain secrecy.

What is known is that the ceremony will feature a floating parade starting from the Austerlitz bridge, passing by Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, and concluding near the Eiffel Tower. The event will also incorporate nearby monuments and combine elements of music, light, and dance.

“We will include some French clichés but also share what Paris and France represent today,” said Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director.

Over 300,000 spectators are expected to watch from the riverbanks, with millions more tuning in via TV and social media.

“I’m very excited to share this ceremony after two years of preparation,” Jolly said. “While we won’t reveal the participating artists yet, it will be a beautiful night with many significant figures celebrating Paris with us.”

Jolly noted that the show would last approximately three hours and 45 minutes, featuring a “large fresco” that will “interweave the athletes’ parade, artistic performances, and protocol elements.”

“This is the moment to celebrate the relationship between Paris, France, and the world as it looks towards Paris,” he added.

Choreographer Maud Le Pladec described the event as a “total show” where “everything will be mixed.” She emphasized that while it is a popular show, it will also have an elegant, distinctly French flair.

The Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11, with the Paralympics scheduled from August 28 to September 8.