2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony: A guide to the largest opening event

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The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies are poised to become the largest event in Olympic history. 

In an unprecedented move, the ceremony will take place outside a stadium and open to the public.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming event on July 26.

What will this year’s ceremony look like?

The Opening Ceremony will be held over a six-kilometre stretch of the Seine through the heart of Paris and feature a floating parade of boats for each national delegation (91 in total). The 10,500 athletes will begin their route near Austerlitz Bridge by the Jardin des Plantes, circle around the two central islands (Île Saint Louis and Île de la Cité), and glide past numerous official Games venues before concluding their journey in front of the Trocadéro where they will be treated to a show and the lighting of the Olympic torch. The whole ceremony is expected to last about three and a half hours.

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Is such an open event safe for athletes and spectators?

Considering the openness of the event, the Paris Police Prefecture set up perimeters along the area where the opening ceremony will take place eight days in advance. To enter, people need to register for a Games Pass and present a QR code on their phone or paper. French soldiers and police will be stationed along the Seine as athletes float down the river.

Organizers had initially planned to welcome as many as 600,000 spectators to the event, but this was scaled down to around 300,000 people earlier this year due to security and logistical concerns.

And though the ceremony is open, people can’t simply show up and watch. Free tickets are available, but by invitation only, with those invited needing to undergo security checks and receive QR codes to pass security barriers.

What will the Canadian delegation be wearing?

Lululemon is the designated Official Outfitter for the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams and has crafted an Opening Ceremony outfit that incorporates prints inspired by the country’s art, architecture and natural landscapes. The Vented Jacquard Bomber Jacket offers built-in interior backpack straps for athletes who may wish to shed layers while keeping their hands free to wave to the crowd. Additionally, the Packable Rain Poncho, which can be folded and put into a kangaroo pocket and converted into a backpack, allows athletes to adapt to varying weather conditions as they float down the Seine.

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Who are our flag-bearers?

We don’t know yet, but it is expected to be announced in the coming days. There are lots of athletes to choose from; Team Canada will be represented by 338 athletes who will compete across various sporting events. These include all-time-most-decorated Olympians Penny Oleksiak (who was the flag-bearer at the Rio 2016 closing ceremonies) and Andre De Grasse, who will both be competing in their third Games. Swimming phenom Summer McIntosh, just 17 years old, will return for her second Games, competing in the 400-metre freestyle, 400-metre individual medley, 200-metre butterfly, and 200-metre individual medley in addition to team relays. 2023 NBA Champion Jamal Murray will join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Toronto Raptors RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk on the men’s basketball team.

When is the Opening Ceremony and how can I watch?

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. local time in Paris (1:30 p.m. ET) and to conclude by 5:15 p.m. ET. According to a statement by the Official Paris 2024 website, this moment was chosen to, “synchronize the fall of dusk and the narration of the ceremony, offering an unforgettable spectacle, both by day and by night, for all spectators and television viewers, in harmony with nature and the outdoor environment.”

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Spectators on the ground who have paid for tickets or been invited will be able to access grandstands on the lower quays from Austerlitz Bridge to Léna Bridge. Approximately 80 giant screens and speakers will be tactically placed throughout Paris, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacle. Canadians countrywide can tune in to CBC or CBC Gem for live coverage of the Opening Ceremony and other sporting events from the comfort of their homes.

What is the significance of the Opening Ceremony and what are key parts?

The Olympic Opening Ceremonies mark the official start of an Olympic Games. The inaugural opening ceremony took place on Easter Monday, April 6, 1896, as the streets of Athens were adorned with festive decorations, including bunting and streamers. Many houses displayed green wreaths to join in the celebration. There are 11 main points of the Opening Ceremony: The entrance of Head of State and International Olympic Committee President; playing of the national anthems; parade of athletes; symbolic release of doves; Olympic Laurel Award; speeches; opening of the games; raising of the Olympic flag and playing of Olympic anthem; athletes, judges, and coaches’ oath; lighting of the Olympic flame; and an artistic programme. 

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