PARIS (TVBS News) — The Olympic Games Paris 2024 kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday (July 27) at the Seine river, as French President Emmanuel Macron proudly stated, "We did it."
The French opening ceremony marked the first time the Summer Olympics held its opening event outdoors. Rain poured down on performers, athletes, and spectators, who donned light raincoats.
Despite the weather, the event proceeded without incident, culminating in a hot air balloon igniting the Olympic flame. Canadian singer Celine Dion performed an Edith Piaf song atop the Eiffel Tower, bringing the atmosphere to another high. On the same day, the French high-speed train lines suffered attacks, including arson, raising concerns about coordinated attempts to disrupt the Olympics.
These "malicious acts" could affect travelers in the coming days. Meanwhile, artistic director Thomas Jolly received mixed reviews from the London Times, which called the ceremony "surreal" and a "damp squib" but acknowledged its originality and boldness.
Macron later thanked Jolly, the artists, police, emergency services, agents, and volunteers on social media for their creative talents and efforts. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed pride in the security forces, saying, "We did it! After four years of intense work to prepare for the world's biggest sports event, we have never been prouder of our security forces.”
Visitors can now explore most of Paris without scanning QR codes at control barriers set up for the event.
