A few hours separate the world from the official launch of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the organizers of the ceremony maintain an element of surprise in the unprecedented outdoor opening ceremony program on the Seine River, envisioned by artistic director Thomas Juli, who comes from the theater world. This aligns with the wishes of the organizers, who promised to deliver a lavish show featuring 3,000 dancers and performers, while widespread speculation continues about the identity of the stars that will participate in the spectacular event.
**When Does the Ceremony Start?**
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place on Friday, July 26, starting at 7:30 PM CEST, and is expected to last for over three hours.
**Why Is This Ceremony Historic?**
In Paris 2024, for the first time in the history of the Summer Olympic Games, the opening ceremony will be held outdoors. Instead of the traditional images of athletes walking on a track, guests and viewers will enjoy a colorful river parade in the heart of the French capital. The Seine River will replace the usual track, with the riverbanks serving as viewing platforms, while the sunset will reflect off the famous Parisian landmarks, providing a backdrop for the ceremony. Furthermore, this outdoor concept makes Paris 2024 the largest opening ceremony in terms of attendance and geographic coverage.
**Where Will the Ceremony Take Place?**
It will be held along the Seine River and will serve as a visual journey through the history and architecture of Paris, starting from the Austerlitz Bridge near the Jardin des Plantes, the departure point for a fleet of boats carrying athletes from the participating national teams. The parade will sail west for 6 kilometers along the Seine, passing under historic bridges and landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and in front of sports venues such as Les Invalides and the Grand Palais. Cameras mounted on the boats will allow viewers to see the athletes up close and experience their emotions, culminating in the arrival at the Trocadéro in front of the Eiffel Tower, where the Olympic flame will be lit to officially declare the opening of the Paris 2024 Games.
**What Spectacular Performances Can We Expect?**
French director Thomas Juli, who is the artistic director for the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies in Paris 2024, will lead the creative direction. While most performances are not yet known, there are clues suggesting that the show will be large-scale, blending old and new elements. When asked by the media in January, Juli highlighted his desire to showcase France's diverse cultures, including opera and rap, thus bringing together all components that form the country’s cultural identity.
On her part, choreographer Maud Le Pladec confirmed that all the bridges along the parade route will feature dancers, with her directing at least 400 dancers from the 3,000 artists participating in the opening and closing ceremonies of Paris 2024. They will all wear unique costumes designed by Daphne Bourke.
**Aya Nakamura Singing Charles Aznavour**
Strong predictions suggest that Aya Nakamura, the most-streamed French artist in the world, will be present and sing her songs along with those of the famous French artist Charles Aznavour in the heart of the twelve tableaux imagined by Thomas Juli. According to L'Équipe, the singer will perform with musicians from the Republican Guard and singers from the French Army Chorus.
**Celine Dion Singing Édith Piaf?**
The arrival of Canadian singer Celine Dion in the French capital has stirred anticipation, with rumors about her participation in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, marking her return to live singing for the first time since 2020. Fans spotted the Quebec-born singer near Parisian landmarks. Celine posted a picture from her visit to the Louvre on her official Instagram, saying, "Every time I return to Paris, I remember there’s so much beauty and joy still to experience in the world. I love Paris, and I’m so happy to be back! Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Louvre!" French President Emmanuel Macron previously hinted that Dion might perform at the ceremony, stating in an interview with France 2, "It would be wonderful if she sang at the opening along the Seine in the heart of the French capital, as she is a great singer."
**Surprise from Lady Gaga?**
Another global singer whose presence in the capital has generated excitement among internet users is Lady Gaga, who was seen greeting and waving to her fans from a car. Some believe the American star might perform the song "La Môme."
**Juliette Armanet**
Another French singer expected to be there is Juliette Armanet, according to L'Équipe, where she is anticipated to perform a song by John Lennon on the banks of the Seine, accompanied by talented Sofiane Pamar on the piano.
**A Mix of Metal and Soprano!**
Le Parisien revealed that a meeting between singer Marina Fiouti and the metal band Gojira represents a genuine cultural surprise involving one of the most famous metal bands in France and beyond. Gojira has toured globally, performing in Europe, the USA, South America, and Australia, and is known for its environmental commitment. According to Le Parisien, artistic director Thomas Juli and his team have achieved an unprecedented collaboration between the French metal band and Swiss mezzo-soprano Marina Fiouti.
