The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially begun with a groundbreaking Opening Ceremony held on July 26, 2024, transforming the French capital into a dynamic stage. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony took place outside a stadium, featuring a stunning parade along the Seine River. This innovative approach highlighted Paris’s iconic landmarks, creating a memorable start to the Games.
The Opening Ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. CEST (1:30 p.m. ET) with a flotilla of 160 boats carrying athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees. The parade route spanned 6 kilometers, starting at the Austerlitz Bridge near the Jardin des Plantes and concluding at the Trocadero, opposite the Eiffel Tower. Spectators lined the riverbanks, enjoying a free and accessible view of the athletes and the artistic sequences designed by French theater director Thomas Jolly.
The ceremony featured a blend of modern and traditional French culture. Lady Gaga performed “Mon Truc En Plume,” a tribute to French entertainer Zizi Jeanmaire. The artistic program included twelve tableaus, each representing different themes such as Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Solidarity. Over 3,000 dancers and artists participated, showcasing France’s diverse cultural heritage.
The ceremony was also notable for its use of cutting-edge technology. Cameras on the boats provided intimate views of the athletes, while drones captured aerial shots of the parade. The event aimed to be the largest Opening Ceremony in terms of geographical coverage and audience, with nearly 600,000 spectators present along the Seine.
LeBron James and Coco Gauff served as flag bearers for the U.S. team, joining other global sports stars in the parade. The final leg of the parade saw the Olympic flame arrive at the Trocadero, where French President Emmanuel Macron officially opened the Games and the Olympic cauldron was lit, marking the commencement of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The excitement continues with a packed 2024 Paris Olympics schedule on Saturday, July 27.
- Gymnastics: Men’s qualification, Subdivision 1 — 5 a.m. (E!)
- Shooting: Mixed team air rifle final — 5 a.m. (CNBC)
- Swimming: Heats — 5 a.m. (USA Network)
- Women’s Water Polo: United States vs. Greece — 9:30 a.m. (USA Network)
- Cycling: Men’s time trial — 10:45 a.m. (USA Network)
- Skateboarding: Men’s street final — 11:30 a.m. (NBC)
- Men’s Soccer: United States vs. New Zealand — 1 p.m. (USA Network)
- Surfing: Men’s Round 1 — 1 p.m. (Peacock)
- Swimming: Men’s and women’s 400-meter freestyle, 4×100-meter freestyle — 2:30 p.m. (NBC)
- Volleyball: United States vs. Argentina — 3 p.m. (USA Network)
- Surfing: Women’s Round 1 — 5:45 p.m. (Peacock)
