PARIS, July 25 (Bernama-dpa) -- The Olympics in Paris officially begins with a unique show in the middle of the Seine on Friday and France has big - and mysterious - plans for the pompous opening ceremony, reported German news agency dpa.
What is being done to ensure the safety of the event?
For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony will not be held in a stadium. 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.
The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 pm (1730 GMT) at the Pont d'Austerlitz and will come to the end of its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro, 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 and dance performances as well as light shows. According to the Parisien newspaper, 400 dancers and 3,000 artists will perform - probably also 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.
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.
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.
Around 120 heads of state and government as well as representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US First Lady Jill Biden. According to the Le Parisien newspaper, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be in Paris.
The Games will be formally opened by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Security plays a major role at the Olympic Games in France and there will be some 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.
--BERNAMA-dpa
