Highlights from the Paris 2024 Olympics opening

The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: A Night to Remember

The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with a ceremony that was wet, weird in parts, beautiful throughout, and very memorable. Paris showed off its iconic landmarks and rich culture, even if the evening didn’t go exactly as planned.

Paris Dazzles with Iconic Charm: The ceremony featured boats gliding down the River Seine, passing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, which was beautifully illuminated. The city itself was a central part of the show, with torchbearers running across rooftops and through famous sites.

Rain Attempts to Steal the Spotlight: Rain started about 30 minutes into the three-and-a-half-hour event, making it one of the wettest Olympic ceremonies ever. Spectators, dressed in ponchos and rain jackets, lined the Seine. Despite the downpour, the Olympic spirit remained undampened, with athletes and performers making the best of the weather.

Celine Dion’s Stunning Return: After a four-year break due to stiff person syndrome, Celine Dion made a triumphant return to the stage, performing “L’Hymne à l’amour” (“Hymn to Love”) from the Eiffel Tower. Her powerful voice, combined with the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, created a standout moment of the night, captivating the audience.

A Parisian Party Atmosphere: The ceremony exuded a festive vibe, featuring techno and Europop music, vibrant dancers, and unique performances. Noteworthy moments included a heavy metal band with a headless Marie Antoinette and a burning piano during John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The French national anthem, “La Marseillaise,” was performed.

Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a unique and unforgettable event, showcasing Paris’s beauty, culture, and spirit.

Re-reported from the article originally published in CNN.