*Description of the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony*

The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony was held on July 26, 2024, and was a historic event that broke with tradition in several ways ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵. Here are some key highlights of the ceremony:

- *Unconventional Venue*: The ceremony was held on the Seine River, marking the first time in Olympic history that the event was not held in a stadium ¹ ⁴.
- *Boat Parade*: Over 10,000 athletes from 205 countries and one refugee team sailed down the Seine on boats, despite heavy rain ¹ ⁴ ⁵.
- *Cultural Performances*: The ceremony featured a range of cultural performances, including music, dance, and art, showcasing French heritage and diversity ¹ ³ ⁴.
- *Torch Relay*: The torch relay was held on the Seine, with notable athletes such as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Zinedine Zidane participating ¹ ³ ⁴ ⁵.
- *Cauldron Lighting*: The cauldron was lit by French athletes Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec, and was lifted into the air by a hot air balloon ¹ ³ ⁵.
- *Musical Performances*: The ceremony featured musical performances by notable artists such as Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Aya Nakamura ² ³ ⁴.
- *Tribute to Women's Rights*: The ceremony paid tribute to prominent French women who fought for women's rights and made significant contributions ⁴.