Paris, the “City of Light,” hosted the opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games in a dazzling spectacle, blending the city’s rich heritage with modern flair. The ceremony took place along the Seine River, with the colourful display turning Paris into a dreamlike scene. Directed by Thomas Jolly and conceptualised by Thierry Reboul, the event celebrated the return of the Olympics to Paris after 100 years.
This contrasts with the 1924 Olympics, which were held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium when the Eiffel Tower was just 35 years old, and the Roland Garros stadium, now home to the French Open, was only 33. Hosting the Olympics again marks an important milestone, showing how both the city and the world have evolved.
The parade, over six kilometres long, started from the Austerlitz bridge near the Jardin des Plantes, passing under several bridges and offering athletes a view of key Olympic venues. The procession passed major landmarks such as Parc Urbain La Concorde, Esplanade des Invalides, and the Grand Palais, ending with a finale at the Trocadéro.
A flotilla of 85 boats carried athletes from Greece, the first Olympic host, followed by a Refugee Olympic Team. The parade, which featured over 200 national delegations, was watched by thousands, both in person and via large screens across Paris. Performances by Lady Gaga and French artists like Aya Nakamura, alongside 12 cultural tableaux, added vibrancy to the ceremony. Helicopters flew overhead, and strategically placed cameras captured every moment of the event, which radiated a sense of unity and celebration.
The evening concluded with the bridges along the Seine lit up in a grand display, setting the stage for the Olympic flame to once again claim its place of honour.
Where did the opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games take place?
a) At the Eiffel Tower
b) In the Jardin des Plantes
c) At the Roland Garros stadium
d) Along the Seine River
How did the 33rd Olympic Games ceremony differ from the 1924 Olympics in Paris?
a) The 33rd ceremony was held at the Eiffel Tower, while the 1924 games were held at Roland Garros.
b) The 1924 games took place at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, while the 33rd games took place along the Seine River.
c) The 1924 Olympics featured a much smaller number of athletes.
d) The 33rd ceremony had no parade, unlike the 1924 games.
What was the significance of the flotilla of 85 boats in the ceremony?
a) It carried athletes from over 300 countries.
b) It represented Paris’ historical connection with the Seine River.
c) It carried athletes from Greece and the Refugee Olympic Team.
d) It was meant to honour the host city of the previous Olympic Games.
What role did Lady Gaga and French artists like Aya Nakamura play in the ceremony?
a) They were the official announcers of the Olympic winners.
b) They performed live during the ceremony, adding vibrancy to the event.
c) They participated in the parade alongside the athletes.
d) They were responsible for lighting the Olympic flame.
How did the ceremony end?
a) With a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower
b) With a grand finale at the Roland Garros stadium
c) With the lighting of the bridges along the Seine and a tribute to the Olympic flame
d) With a helicopter show flying over Paris
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