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2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics took place on 26 July 2024 in Paris, beginning at 19:30 CEST (17:30 UTC). As mandated by the Olympic Charter, the proceedings included an artistic program showcasing the culture of the host country and city, the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The Games were formally opened by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

For the first time in the history of the Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony took place outside of a stadium.

Athletes paraded down the Seine River on boats, passing some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Thousands of people watched from stands lining the river. There were also big screens set up across the city to allow as many fans as possible to watch the event.

The six-kilometer (roughly 3.7-mile) route ended in front of the famous Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower, where the Olympic cauldron was lit.