2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Rain, Boats, and Arson

Despite Rain, Opening Ceremony Goes Off Without a Hitch

The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off with a unique opening ceremony on the banks of the Seine River. Despite heavy rain, the ceremony went off without a hitch, with athletes arriving by boat and cruising down the river.

Arson Attack Overshadows Opening Ceremony

Just hours before the ceremony, arsonists set fire to a building near the Eiffel Tower, casting a shadow over the festivities. The fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was injured, but it served as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in France.

Opening Ceremony Details

The opening ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. local time and transformed the French capital into a stage for a celebration of sports and culture. The ceremony featured a cast of thousands of performers, including dancers, musicians, and acrobats, who depicted the history and culture of Paris.