The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris was simply fantastic and is perhaps the most unique opportunity for the world to turn its attention and eyes to France. The ceremony was not traditional at all, on the contrary. Starting from the set-up, which took place all over the city and not in a stadium, including the most important points of Paris and the stunning display on the Siena river, the ceremony was simply impressive.
Below, photos from the most important events:
The return of Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, the French footballer and one of the legends of this sport, in a 3-month journey, left Greece for Paris, to hand over the torch, which he passed on to the tennis stars, Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams.
A balloon in the sky
Judo champion Teddy Riner and runner Marie-Jose Peres lit the balloon together that crossed the Paris sky, symbolizing the start of the greatest show on Earth.
The colors of France
The ceremony was lit up with smoke in the colors of the French flag, being greeted with applause and cheers from the participants.
A show in the rain
Although the atmospheric conditions were not very good, this did not stop dignitaries from all over the world and ordinary people from witnessing such a spectacular event. In the first photo, Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Attendance of VIPs
Ariana Grande could not be absent from this ceremony.
Police all over Paris
Police forces were numerous, to ensure the safety of citizens, after the increased risk of terrorist attacks.
A mysterious man in the city
Throughout the ceremony, a masked man carried a torch and ran across the rooftops of Paris.
Athletes from all over the world
Athletes from all over the world traveled to the Siena River and proudly waved the flags of their countries.
Gaga's moment
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Lady Gaga took the stage to perform her songs at the opening ceremony, thrilling the audience.
Acrobatics on the street
The whole city had different fun activities, so practically every corner of Paris gave magic.
Metal and nothing traditional
The organizers mixed the ceremony, including the epic story of "Les Miserables", as well as the iconic performance of the band Gojira. The dancers performed to the theme of Victor Hygo's novel and at one point, the word "Liberté" ("Freedom") appeared, the image of Marie Antoinette and then, the heavy metal performance.
The return of Celine Dion
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As rumored, Celine Dion returned to France to mark one of the most exciting moments of her career. Dion has long retired from public performances after revealing that she suffers from "Stiff Person Syndrome".
