The Paris Olympic Games are set to make history on July 26 with an opening ceremony that promises to be unlike any other. This year, the ceremony will be the first ever to take place outside a traditional stadium setting, opting instead for the scenic banks of the Seine River. Athletes will not march around a track but will sail along the river in a flotilla of boats, offering a fresh twist on a beloved tradition. Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary event, from its timing and venue to how you can watch it live.
The much-anticipated opening ceremony will mark the start of the Paris Games with a unique and spectacular event along the Seine River. “The traditional parade of the athletes will take place in boats along the Seine and not on the tracks of a Stadium, as seen in the opening ceremonies of the previous Games.” Approximately 100 boats will carry an estimated 10,500 athletes past some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
A total of 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will participate in the Summer Games. Larger NOCs will have their own boats, while smaller contingents will share. This grand flotilla will create a stunning visual as it progresses through Paris.
Route of the Boats
The parade will commence from the Austerlitz Bridge, situated next to the Jardin des Plantes. From there, it will travel 6 kilometres west along the river, passing by iconic landmarks and venues such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Esplanade des Invalides, and the Grand Palais. The journey will culminate opposite the Trocadero, where the official protocols will be conducted, and the Olympic cauldron will be lit, signalling the start of the Games.
Timing of the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will take place on July 26 and is scheduled to begin at 19:30 CEST (Central European Summer Time), which is 11 PM IST (Indian Standard Time). The event is expected to last for over three hours, filled with performances, speeches, and the grand parade.
How to Watch the Opening Ceremony
For those unable to attend in person, there are plenty of ways to catch the action live. France has made provisions for 600,000 spectators to watch the ceremony along the Seine. Meanwhile, fans around the world can tune in from the comfort of their homes. In India, Viacom18 Media Private Limited has secured exclusive media rights to broadcast the Paris Games. “In India, a fan can watch the opening ceremony on the Sports 18 network. The live streaming of the event will be available on the Jio Cinema app and website.”
This arrangement will also cover audiences in Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, ensuring a wide reach across South Asia.
The Paris Olympic Games 2024 opening ceremony is set to be a groundbreaking event, blending tradition with innovation. With athletes parading on boats along the Seine, spectators are in for a visual treat that highlights Paris’s beauty and heritage. Don’t miss out on this historic event – tune in to experience the magic of the Paris Olympic Games.
Mark your calendars for July 26 and make sure to watch this spectacular opening ceremony. Stay updated with the latest Olympic news and coverage by following us on social media and visiting our website.
