2024-07-27 08:05:12
Combining a parade of athletes, an artistic show, songs and anthems, this ceremony, which took place in the presence of numerous heads of state, government and international organisations, took place for the first time outside an Olympic stadium, over six kilometres along the Seine, a first in the history of the Olympic Games.
Aboard 85 boats, just under 7,000 athletes, representing the participating nations, paraded on the waters of the Parisian river, going up it from East to West under a rainy sky, giving this spectacle an atmosphere that was both solemn and poetic.
The Moroccan sports delegation paraded aboard a large boat on this river course amidst cheers and applause from the public.
The national flag was raised high during this parade by golfer Ines Laklalech and horseman Yassine Rahmouni.
The parade was watched by 360,000 spectators on site, covered under umbrellas and ponchos, and more than a billion television viewers. The route highlighted some of the most beautiful Parisian monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame de Paris.
As tradition dictates, Greece, considered the cradle of Olympism, opened the procession of Olympic delegations, followed by the other countries in alphabetical order, while France, the host country, closed the parade, arriving at the Trocadéro, at the foot of the Iron Lady.
The banks, bridges and roofs were taken over by dancers, musicians, actors, singers, jugglers, skaters, BMXers… composing twelve artistic tableaux showcasing French heritage, with a script co-written in particular by the Moroccan novelist Leïla Slimani.
Braving the rain, a symphony orchestra, choirs and internationally renowned artists, including Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura, performed new compositions. The soundtrack, mixing electro, metal, classical music and festive hymns, captivated the audience.
As night fell, Paris lit up, offering an exceptional sound and light show on the Seine, highlighting the emblematic Parisian monuments which shone brightly.
The show, which combined sport, art and Olympic protocol, ended with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens.
2024-07-27 08:05:12