Paris 2024… Details of the strangest opening ceremony in the history of the Olympics

Sudan Events – Agencies

Ambitious, historic and amazing, these are some of the words used to describe the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 since the initial plan was revealed three years ago. The French capital, Paris, will open the Olympics, on Friday evening, with a unique opening ceremony, which may be the strangest in the long history of the games. The first Olympic Games to be held outside the stadium, the celebration will turn the French capital into a theater where the traditional parade of athletes in boats will take place along the Seine River, passing through the most famous Parisian landmarks. Usually, a major stadium in the organizing city is the one that hosts the ceremony and the entry point for the athletes, but this time, Paris will use its famous river for the ceremony. Instead of the familiar images of athletes walking along an athletics track, guests and spectators will enjoy a colorful river parade in the heart of the French capital. The Seine River, the city’s main water artery, will replace the traditional path, and the sidewalks will be transformed into platforms for spectators, while the reflection of the setting sun on famous Parisian landmarks will provide the backdrop for the event. This outdoor concept also makes Paris 2024 the largest opening ceremony in terms of audience and geographical coverage. The Gala Route along the Seine is a visual journey through Parisian history and architecture.
The Austerlitz Bridge next to the Jardin des Plantes serves as the starting point for the fleet, which will then continue west for 6 kilometers along the Seine, passing under historic bridges and famous landmarks, such as Notre Dame and the Louvre, as well. Like some Games venues, including the Grand Palais, the athletes, gathered on boats with their national teams, will eventually arrive off the Trocadero – the square opposite the Eiffel Tower – where official protocols will be carried out, the Olympic flame will be lit, and the Paris 2024 Games will be officially declared open. Nearly 100 boats carrying an estimated 10,500 athletes along the Seine River during the show. Camera equipment mounted on the roofs will allow spectators to see the athletes up close and witness their emotions.