- The Paris Olympics began with a grand opening ceremony featuring 10,500 athletes parading along the Seine in an outdoor spectacle watched by a billion people. Despite heavy rain and earlier rail sabotage, the event proceeded with high security and elaborate performances.
- Lady Gaga and Céline Dion were among the star performers, with Dion closing the show in a custom Dior dress. The ceremony included ballet dancers on the Louvre's roof and modern dancers along the quays, showcasing French culture and history.
- Security was tight with 45,000 police deployed, and President Macron hosted over 100 heads of state. The event's ambitious format required meticulous planning and coordination, involving 15,000 performers and technicians.
- The idea for the river-based ceremony came from Thierry Reboul, who envisioned it as a unique way to highlight Paris's historical and cultural landmarks. The show featured memorable moments like Zinedine Zidane passing the torch to Rafael Nadal.
- Despite the high cost of €120mn, the ceremony aimed to put athletes at the center, offering them prime viewing spots on the boats. The event concluded with a light show from the Eiffel Tower and a hot air balloon bearing the Olympic cauldron.
Source: Financial Times, BBC
