A Spectacular Start: Paris Hosts 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony on the Seine

The Olympics kicked off this year’s games on July 26, but with a spectacular twist that has never been seen before. Athletes in Paris swapped the traditional march down an athletic track for a thrilling boat parade along the beautiful river Seine, making it a historic moment for the Olympics.

This year’s Opening Ceremony was not just an ordinary event; it was the largest in terms of audience and geographic coverage. Almost 100 colorful boats carried around 10,500 athletes, floating down the Seine and showcasing their vibrant team spirit.

While viewers around the world were amazed by this unique celebration, the order of the parade still followed a well-known tradition. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, led the parade of nations as always. Following Greece was the Refugee Olympic Team, representing athletes who, despite their circumstances, continue to pursue their Olympic dreams.

The hosts of the 2024 games, France, showcased their boat last, while Los Angeles, the city set to host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, marched second to last. The rest of the countries entered the parade in alphabetical order based on the host nation’s language, adding a sense of organized flair to the celebration.

Interestingly, athletes from Russia and Belarus were also part of the ceremony, despite ongoing controversies surrounding their participation.

Not every country had its own boat, but many made a splash in this unforgettable event. Here’s a glimpse at the order of countries in the 2024 Summer Olympics Parade of Nations, starting with Greece, then the Refugee Olympic Team, and following through a diverse array of nations all the way to France.