What Happened at Olympics Opening Ceremony? Get Into The Ceremony
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Updated Jul 29, 2024
What Happened at Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26 had a performance that sparked controversy. During a segment, drag queens and dancers performed at a long table, which some people thought looked like Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting "The Last Supper."
Some viewers felt this was disrespectful to Christianity. The ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, said he did not intend to offend and wanted to celebrate inclusivity. The organizers apologized if anyone was hurt, but the performance also received praise for its focus on diversity and creativity. (Source: Today)
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Olympics Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a spectacular event that took place on July 26, 2024. For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony was held outside a traditional stadium, using the River Seine and various Paris landmarks as its stage.
As evening fell, 85 boats carrying 6,800 athletes floated along the Seine River towards the Eiffel Tower. The athletes were joined by Parisian spectators who lined the quays and bridges, creating a festive atmosphere. In a unique twist, the Olympic flame was carried by a hot air balloon, adding to the ceremony's magic.
The parade started at Pont d’Austerlitz and traveled six kilometers west along the Seine, passing famous landmarks like the Esplanade des Invalides and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Athletes from different countries celebrated together, showcasing unity and diversity. The French team received the loudest cheers from the crowd.
The ceremony also featured a vibrant artistic performance that celebrated French culture and history. Ballet dancers performed on rooftops, and famous French symbols like croissants and berets were featured. The French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," was sung on the rooftop of the Grand Palais.
The night concluded with a grand finale as the Olympic Cauldron was lit. The flame traveled through Paris before being ignited by a hot air balloon, a nod to the city’s historic balloon flight. Celine Dion performed from the Eiffel Tower, marking a memorable end to the celebration.
Overall, the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony was an extraordinary blend of tradition, culture, and innovation, setting the stage for an exciting Olympic Games.
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Olympics Opening and Closing
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games are special events that celebrate the start and end of the Games. They are filled with music, dance, and fireworks and showcase the culture of the host country.
Opening Ceremony:
- Arrival of Leaders: The ceremony begins with the entrance of the host country's head of state and the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- National Anthem: The national anthem of the host country is played.
- Parade of Athletes: Athletes from all participating countries march into the stadium, usually led by the flag bearer of each country.
- Release of Doves: A symbolic release of doves represents peace and unity.
- Olympic Laurel Award: This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to sports and the Olympic movement.
- Official Speeches: Key figures, including the host country's head of state and IOC President, give speeches.
- Opening of the Games: The host country's leader formally declares the Games open.
- Raising the Olympic Flag: The Olympic flag is raised, and the Olympic Anthem is played.
- Oaths: Athletes, judges, and coaches take oaths to compete fairly and uphold the values of the Games.
- Lighting of the Olympic Flame: The Olympic flame is lit, usually by a famous athlete, symbolizing the start of the Games.
- Artistic Programme: The ceremony features performances that highlight the host country's culture and history.
Closing Ceremony:
- Celebration of Achievements: The Closing Ceremony celebrates the end of the Games and honors the achievements of athletes.
- Flag Handover: The Olympic flag is handed over to the next host city, marking the end of the current Games.
- Parade of Athletes: Athletes from different countries gather together to celebrate their participation.
- Speeches: The host country’s officials and the IOC President give speeches to thank everyone involved.
- Closing of the Games: The host country's leader officially closes the Games.
- Artistic Performances: Similar to the Opening Ceremony, there are performances that celebrate the culture of the host country.
- Extinguishing the Flame: The Olympic flame is extinguished, symbolizing the end of the Games until the next Olympics.
Both ceremonies are important parts of the Olympics, combining tradition, ceremony, and celebration to mark this global sporting event.
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2024 Summer Olympics
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 24 to August 11, 2024, with the opening ceremony on July 26. Paris is the main host city, with events also happening in 16 other French cities and one location in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Paris won the right to host the Games in September 2017, beating out other cities including Los Angeles. Paris has hosted the Olympics twice before, in 1900 and 1924, and will now become the second city to host three times (London is the first).
The 2024 Olympics will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Paris Games. It will also be the last Olympics under the current IOC President, Thomas Bach. The Games will cost around €9 billion and will feature break dancing as a new sport.
