A Splash of Tradition: Paris 2024 Kicks Off with Unique River Celebration

The 2024 Olympics made a fascinating start on July 26, turning heads with an innovative twist to the traditional Opening Ceremony.

Instead of marching down a conventional athletic track, athletes floated along the iconic river Seine in a grand boat parade. This year’s event was touted as the largest Opening Ceremony in terms of both audience and geographic coverage, featuring nearly 100 boats carrying around 10,500 athletes.

Fans were treated to a historic ceremony in many ways, while the parade order remained faithful to tradition. Greece, known for hosting the first Olympic Games, led the parade, setting the stage for a celebration of athleticism and unity.

Following Greece, the Refugee Olympic Team made its way into the spotlight, showcasing resilience and courage. France, as the current host, rounded off the parade, with the United States taking the penultimate position as the host for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The participating nations paraded in alphabetical order based on the language of the host country. Athletes from Afghanistan, South Africa, and Germany were some of the delegations that brought excitement to the vibrant ceremony.

Notably, the event included athletes from Russia and Belarus despite recent controversies, marking a significant moment in the global sporting arena.