The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris officially begins with a unique show in the middle of the Seine later on Friday.

Hosts France and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) already have big—and mysterious—plans for the pompous opening ceremony.

What’s special about the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony won’t be held in a stadium for the first time in Summer Games history. Instead, the more than 200 national delegations will sail across the Seine through the centre of Paris and past sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

How does the ceremony work?

The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. Nigerian time) at the Pont d’Austerlitz and will come to the end of its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro. This is right next to the Eiffel Tower, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

It is still unknown who will light the Olympic cauldron, but according to reports, this honour will be given to French track and field athlete and three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec. Football star Zinédine Zidane is also said to be a candidate.

The festivities will be adorned with music, dance performances, and light shows. According to the Parisien newspaper, 400 dancers and 3,000 artists will probably perform on the bridges over the Seine. The organisers want to present the French cultural heritage in 12 different scenes.

Skate and BMX stars are also expected to put on a show.

Who is performing at the opening ceremony?

That’s one of the biggest secrets—but there are a few rumours. According to reports, superstar Céline Dion will be performing with pop icon Lady Gaga.

Dion has cancelled all of the 2023 and 2024 dates of her ‘Courage Worlt Tour’ in Europe due to illness.

A performance at the opening ceremony would be a special and emotional moment for her and her fans.

How can the sports fans in Paris watch the ceremony?

Those among the 300,000 lucky people who were able to get a ticket, will follow the opening ceremony on the banks of the Seine.

In addition, 80 giant screens and strategically placed speakers will allow fans to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the show throughout the French capital.

Which politicians will be in attendance?

Around 120 heads of state and government and representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and U.S. first lady Jill Biden.

According to the Le Parisien newspaper, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron will formally open the Games.

What is being done to ensure the safety of the event?

Security plays a major role at the Olympic Games in France, and there will be 45,000 security personnel on duty for the opening ceremony.

The airspace within a 150-kilometre radius of Paris will be closed for the evening, while the areas of the Seine along which the parade will go through will be closed to car traffic.

(dpa/NAN)