Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony: Start Time, Top Artists Performing, Theme - All You Need To Know

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Paris 2024: The opening ceremony of the highly-anticipated Paris Olympics is not more than 24 hours and it promises to plunge the French capital into a sporting frenzy, dominating daily life for over 15 days.

This ceremony aims to break conventions and boundaries by organising the largest Olympic ceremony in history, not confined to a stadium but moving through the City of Lights. Creative maverick Thomas Jolly is masterminding the show, promising a true adventure. Paris 2024 Special Coverage

When is the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony?

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024, and is expected to last around three and a half hours. This event will mark the official beginning of two weeks of games, culminating in a closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11.

What Time Will Opening Ceremony Start?

The ceremony kicks off at 7:30 PM CEST (6:30 PM BST, 12:30 PM CDT, and 10:30 AM PDT in the US). The marker of the beginning of the Summer Games will be at 8:24 PM CEST, which cleverly aligns with the year 2024 when expressed in the 24-hour clock (20:24). In the UK, this corresponds to 7:24 PM BST, and in the US, it is 1:24 PM CDT and 11:24 AM PDT. In India, it will start around 11 PM (IST).

Where is the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony Being Held?

Contrary to traditional expectations, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony will take place outdoors along the banks of the River Seine and even through its waters. This marks the first time in the history of the Summer Games that an opening ceremony will not be hosted in a stadium, significantly increasing the potential audience capacity.

What Activities Are Planned During the Event?

Spectators will be spread along a six-kilometre route, starting with a river crossing on the Seine before settling at the Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower. The event begins on the River Seine at sunset, with around 10,500 athletes from different national delegations gathered on boats, organized by country.

As per tradition, the Greeks will lead the procession, starting from the Pont d'Austerlitz to the Pont d'Iéna. The Trocadéro esplanade will then host the 116 boats and their passengers for a grand finale facing the Eiffel Tower, scheduled to begin around 2:30 AM with the expected arrival of the French boat, the last in the convoy.

In addition to national anthems, official speeches, and the symbolic release of doves, artistic performances are expected to stand out. Like all other editions, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony promises impressive spectacles, especially during its finale.

How Many Spectators Will Attend the Opening Ceremony?

Initial plans estimated 600,000 spectators, but for safety and logistical reasons, particularly considering the city's transportation network, this number has been scaled down to 300,000. Previous ceremonies held in stadiums had capacities of less than 100,000 spectators, with 78,000 attending the Rio 2016 opening ceremony.

Who is Directing the Opening Ceremony?

Renowned stage director Thomas Jolly has been appointed as the artistic director of the various ceremonies during Paris 2024. Known for his success with the revived "Starmania" musical and numerous acclaimed plays and operas, Jolly is an avid lover of Shakespearean epics. For the writing of the opening ceremony, he has collaborated with authors and historians to bring a sense of "simplicity" to the ambitious project.

What is the Theme Song for the Paris Olympics?

The official theme song is "Parade" by composer Victor Le Manse. Recorded with the Orchestre National de France, the song was first performed on May 8 when the Olympic Flame arrived in Marseille.

Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Who Will Be Performing?

While the full list of performers has been kept under wraps, the ceremony promises a varied spectacle blending theatre, dance, circus, and opera, divided into different segments woven together through multiple stories.

One of these stories will focus on Paris's enchanting capital, with its iconic monuments brought to life. Additionally, the show will incorporate stories of people living and working near the river, adding a touch of local charm to the event.

Top Performers at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

International music icons Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga are rumoured to make a triumphant return to the stage with a highly anticipated performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. In addition to these performers, Snoop Dogg is set to be the final torchbearer on July 26.

He will be joined by French rapper MC Solaar and retired Ukrainian pole vaulter, Sergey Bubka, capping off a team of 11,000 torchbearers. Notable torchbearers include Salma Hayek, BTS's Jin, French soccer star Thierry Henry, and Belgian singer Mentissa.

Snoop Dogg, the 52-year-old American pop culture icon, will carry the Olympic flame through the suburb of Saint-Denis, north of Paris, which is home to the Stade de France Olympic stadium and the Olympic Village.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony will be a musical extravaganza. French superstar Aya Nakamura will perform a reimagined Charles Aznavour classic, backed by the prestigious Republican Guard. The incomparable Céline Dion will pay homage to Édith Piaf with a heartfelt rendition, while American pop sensation Lady Gaga brings her global stardom to the Olympic stage.

The Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony is set to be an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence, cultural diversity, and artistic brilliance, captivating audiences worldwide.