(Paris, 27th) Breaking boundaries, defying genres, and unprecedented performances… The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, held in the French capital early Saturday morning (Malaysian time), kicked off the 2024 Summer Olympics with unforgettable energy and unique presentations. After an exciting night, here are five memorable moments from the event, highlighted by AFP.
Unexpected Rain
Renowned French classical pianist Cantoro performed “Jeux d’eau” by Maurice Ravel on the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor pedestrian bridge across the Seine, braving the rain. The ceremony’s planner, renowned French theatre director Joli, meticulously designed every minute of the riverside event, but he couldn’t predict the weather. Despite forecasts of hot, sunny days, Paris was hit by heavy summer rain. Delegations from around the world did their best to enjoy the Seine cruise, hoping the wet weather wouldn’t affect their health before the competitions. Social media users expressed concern for Cantoro and his exposed piano. Ironically, he played a piece titled “Jeux d’eau” (Water Games).
Great Comeback
Canadian diva Celine Dion stood atop the Eiffel Tower, singing Edith Piaf’s “Hymne A L’Amour” (Hymn to Love) with piano accompaniment, marking a stunning return after battling a rare disease. As the Olympic cauldron, lit by France’s most decorated athlete Perec and three-time Olympic judo champion Riner, floated up on a large balloon, Dion’s flawless pitch serenaded Paris. Last month, she vowed to recover from the rare neurological disorder that had kept her off the stage. She first revealed her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease, in December 2022.
French Classics
About 80 Moulin Rouge artists performed the iconic cancan dance in specially designed pink outfits. This classic French cultural performance was modernized with electronic elements. As the national delegations began their cruise along the Seine, an accordionist in a French beret and blue-striped T-shirt serenaded them from a bridge.
Defying Discrimination
French-Malian pop singer Aya Nakamura’s planned performance at the opening ceremony faced racist backlash and far-right criticism on social media. Supported by French President Macron, Nakamura and her dance troupe combined her hits with songs by the great Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour. In a powerful symbol, she was backed by musicians from the French Republican Guard and performed against the backdrop of the Académie Française, the guardian of the French language. Philippe Katerine, painted pink and adorned with strategically placed flowers, played Dionysus in a series of dances promoting gender identity and tolerance. The most dramatic moment might have been the appearance of ten golden statues of pioneering French women along the Seine, immortalizing their achievements. These included the writer and activist Olympe de Gouges, executed in 1793, Holocaust survivor and abortion rights advocate Simone Veil, and feminist activist Gisèle Halimi.
Eclectic Music
The opening ceremony featured a diverse musical lineup, including classical, opera, pop, and electronic styles. The Paris Olympics didn’t hold back on star power. American singer Lady Gaga performed classic French hall songs, and local rap star Rim’K also took the stage. However, the most cheered performance was by French metal band Gojira, who played from the historic Bastille prison, marking the first appearance of a metal band at an Olympic opening ceremony.
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and diverse Paris Olympics, where art, music, and sport unite in a spectacular display!
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