The inauguration ceremony of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games kicked off this Friday evening in the French capital, Paris. The opening ceremony began at 8:30 PM Moscow and Mecca time and will last for three hours and 45 minutes.
French President Emmanuel Macron initially welcomed world leaders who came to Paris for the opening ceremony. For the first time in the history of the Summer Olympics, instead of using the main athletics stadium for the opening display, organizers moved the event outdoors to the heart of the French capital, in line with their slogan "the games are open."
Between six thousand to seven thousand athletes representing participating delegations sailed six kilometers on the Seine River aboard 85 boats and ferries. Following the introduction of the participating delegations, a boat carried the Greek delegation to lead the river parade, followed by a boat representing the refugee team, which has 10 athletes.
French actor Jamel Debbouze handed the Olympic torch to Zinedine Zidane, who then passed it to children who will carry the torch across the Seine River.
A massive cloud of blue, white, and red smoke rose above a bridge over the Seine River as an accordion player performed, marking the beginning of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The event saw the attendance of many significant and prominent personalities from among the world's leaders and celebrities.
