The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is just hours away, promising plenty of razzmatazz, culture, and fashion. The French pride themselves on their artistic heritage, so expect an extravagant display.
Here are seven things to watch out for during the ceremony, which starts at 9:30 p.m. UAE time and will last three hours and 34 minutes.
1. The Seine parade
In a first for the Olympics, the opening ceremony will take place outside the main stadium. A flotilla carrying athletes and performers will glide down the River Seine in a 6km parade choreographed by Thomas Jolly, the ceremony's artistic director. French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that there are backup plans if the river parade encounters issues, including a possible move to the Stade de France.
2. Paris landmarks
The flotilla will set off from the Austerlitz Bridge, passing by Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. It will navigate under bridges and gateways, including the Pont des Arts and Pont Neuf, showcasing several iconic Parisian landmarks before culminating at the Trocadéro.
3. Music to the ears
Around 3,000 artists, including musicians and dancers on bridges, will perform during the ceremony. French-Malian R&B star Aya Nakamura, the world’s most-streamed French-language artist, might be among them. Canadian star Céline Dion, who sings in both French and English, and Lady Gaga were recently spotted in Paris, so their presence at the ceremony is a possibility.
4. The dance will go on
Hundreds of dancers who were threatening to strike have called off their protest after receiving a new pay offer. Three thousand dancers will present a blend of urban, contemporary, classic, and break dance styles, featuring stomps, shouts, and body rolls. Organizers promise an unprecedented experience, using the natural light of the setting sun to illuminate the river promenade.
5. Style statements
As the capital of high fashion, Paris will showcase costumes by Louis Vuitton, Dior, and others. Expect bold looks for the teams as well. Team USA will be outfitted by Ralph Lauren, while Ben Sherman has designed Team GB's attire. Haiti’s vibrant costumes, reflecting the Caribbean nation’s spirit, are designed by Stella Jean.
6. Celeb watch
A plethora of celebrities and dignitaries are expected to attend. Over 100 heads of state and government will be present, including US First Lady Jill Biden, Argentine President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Olympic chief Thomas Bach. Keep an eye out for the stars.
7. Who will light the Olympic cauldron?
The identity of the person who will light the Olympic cauldron is always a closely guarded secret. Traditionally, the final torchbearer is revealed only minutes before the lighting. Remember Muhammad Ali’s emotional moment when he lit the flame at the 1996 Atlanta Games? The Olympic torch has traveled from Greece to Paris over the past three months, with former French footballer Thierry Henry and judo star Romane Dicko among the torchbearers.
Let the games begin!
