The Paris 2024 Olympics began with its opening ceremony along the Seine River on July 26. Athletes arrived by boat, passing landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Louvre, with performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, as the Olympic flame lit the Olympic Cauldron, which is shaped as a hot air balloon.
The event faced challenges, however, with acts of sabotage targeting the French high-speed rail network and causing travel disruptions. The weather also posed issues, with rain starting just as the ceremony began, leading to a scramble to shelter equipment and attendees.
Reactions to the ceremonies have been mixed. While some praised the innovative artistic approach, others were frustrated by logistical problems, including long waits and overcrowding.
Controversy arose from one part of the ceremony that some viewers perceived as a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper." This segment, which featured drag queens and dancers arranged along a long table, was interpreted by some as mocking Christianity. The event organizers said the scene was intended to parody the Greek myth of the Feast of Dionysius rather than the Last Supper.
Security was tight in the lead up to the games, with heavy police patrols and multiple security checks along the Seine.
Some athletes have complained about uncomfortable beds and the lack of air conditioning at the Olympic Village, with some booking hotel rooms instead.
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