The Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday showcased a dazzling celebration of French culture and elegance.
Lady Gaga enthralled the audience with a rendition of the French cabaret classic “Mon truc en plumes” near Notre-Dame Cathedral, accompanied by a dramatic plume of blue, white, and red smoke rising above a bridge over the Seine.
A winged accordionist added to the festive atmosphere.
A flotilla of barges carried athletes along a 6 km stretch of the Seine, passing iconic landmarks of Paris. The Greek team, as tradition dictates, received a warm reception as the first boat, while the loudest cheers were reserved for the boat carrying the refugee team.
As the boats passed, fountains erupted in the Seine, and athletes waved to the crowd amidst a significant police presence. This grand event came shortly after a sabotage attack on the TGV high-speed rail network, which caused widespread travel disruptions and underscored security concerns during the global event.
The ceremony featured a fictional mishap with the Olympic flame, setting the stage for the spectacular river show. A pre-recorded video depicted French soccer star Zinedine Zidane sprinting across Paris to deliver the flame, including a ride on the metro.
The event also celebrated France’s charm with a cancan performance by Moulin Rouge dancers on the riverbanks. “We are super excited; it happens once in a lifetime,” said 17-year-old Elise Boukorrass before the show.