Paris Reimagines Olympic Opening Ceremony with Spectacular Seine Parade

Paris revolutionized the Olympic Opening Ceremony by hosting a parade along the River Seine, diverging from the traditional stadium setting. Despite the heavy rain, the ceremony featured dynamic performances and grand imagery. Different media outlets praised or critiqued its boldness and execution, offering varying opinions on the event's success.

In an unprecedented move, Paris transformed the Olympic Opening Ceremony into a grandiose parade along the River Seine, breaking away from the conventional stadium-based spectacle. Television audiences globally witnessed scenes performed on bridges, riverbanks, and rooftops. The event culminated with French athletes Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner lighting the Olympic cauldron, accompanied by a performance from Canada's Celine Dion.

Despite the spectacle, the 6,000 athletes, 3,000 performers, 300,000 spectators, and numerous world leaders faced heavy rain throughout the event. Media reactions varied: France's Le Monde praised director Thomas Jolly's immersive show, while Le Figaro found some elements excessive.

In the U.S., The New York Times critiqued the ceremony as intermittently entertaining yet ultimately ordinary, while The Washington Post appreciated the bold innovation. In China, Xinhua highlighted the cultural showcase but noted continuity issues. South Korean media criticized an error in team introductions, and British and Italian outlets offered mixed reviews on Paris's ambitious gamble.

(With inputs from agencies.)