NPR News

First look: Photos from Paris Olympics opening ceremony

By Alana Wise

Published July 26, 2024 at 7:09 PM CDT

A light show is displayed on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26.

NPR is in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. For more of our coverage from the games head to our latest updates.

Images from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games offer a stunning glimpse into the dramatic and heavily Parisian-themed day.

Set against the rainy backdrop of iconic French landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Seine River, thousands of athletes poured into the nation’s capital to compete for their chance at Olympic gold.

The day included musical performances, starting with Lady Gaga, who performed a cabaret-style performance, including massive pink feathers and a brief piano number.

Later, French stars Aya Nakamura and Rim’K performed.

The musical performances continued with a moving performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” rendered by pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet.

The Olympic rings were displayed on the Eiffel Tower as a light show illuminated the Paris sky.

French leaders, including the nation’s President Emmanuel Macron, officially launched the ceremony.

And for the prestigious honor of passing the Olympic torch, France broke tradition, allowing French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane to pass the torch to Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal—a symbol of France’s dedication to using the Olympic games to unite the world.

Later, Nadal left the temporary stadium by boat, where he was joined by Olympic legends Serena Williams and Carl Lewis of the United States, and Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci.

A general view inside an apartment as Parisians wait for Opening Ceremony festivities to reach them for the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games.

Athlete boats travel along the River Seine as spectators shelter from the rain during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — Athlete boats travel along the River Seine as spectators shelter from the rain.

Security patrol by boat in Paris, France, before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26. — Security patrol by boat in Paris, France, before the opening ceremony.

Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine near the Supreme Court during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. — Tightrope walker Nathan Paulin performs on a high rope during the athletes parade on the River Seine.

Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26. — Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony.

Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26. — Actors perform during the opening ceremony.

In this aerial view taken from helicopter shows Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral as delegations boats navigate on the Seine past the Ile de la Cite Island during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — Delegations boats navigate on the Seine past the Ile de la Cite Island.

Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, France. — Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic torch.

Team Marshall Islands are seen on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — Team Marshall Islands are seen on a boat on the River Seine during the opening ceremony.

Athletes of Team Spain holding Spanish flags on their delegation boat during the opening ceremony.

A spectator gestures as the Olympic rings are seen dyed into their hair prior to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — A spectator gestures as the Olympic rings are seen dyed into their hair.

Spectators cheer as Athletes of Team Great Britain pass under a bridge during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — Spectators cheer as Athletes of Team Great Britain pass under a bridge.

Artists performing during the Opening Ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games, Paris 2024 by the River Seine in Paris, France. — Artists performing during the opening ceremony.

Italy athletes aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — Italy athletes aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine.

TOPSHOT - The horsewoman walks with the Olympic flag past athletes at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) — The horsewoman walks with the Olympic flag past athletes at the Trocadero.

General view as flags of participating countries are carried during the opening ceremony.

A worker sweeps rain water at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. — A worker sweeps rain water at the Trocadero.

Athletes of Canada wave their flags after arriving at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony.

Rafael Nadal holds the Olympic torch alongside Serena Williams on a boat on the river Seine ahead of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.

The cauldron is lit by torch bearers Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26. — The cauldron is lit by torch bearers Marie-Jose Perec and Teddy Riner.

Athletes of France during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26. — Athletes of France during the opening ceremony.