Tonight, get ready for a spectacle like no other as the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games promises to be bold, original, and unique. Tonight, 26 July 2024, Paris will host an event destined to be etched into the annals of Olympic history. 6:30 PM Dublin Time.

A Groundbreaking Outdoor Ceremony

For the first time in Olympic Summer Games history, the Opening Ceremony will take place outside a stadium. Paris 2024 is setting a new standard by bringing the festivities into the city itself, with the heart of the ceremony located along the iconic Seine River.

A River Parade Like No Other

In a stunning twist, the traditional parade of athletes will unfold on the Seine. Each national delegation will navigate the river in boats, equipped with cameras to provide viewers with up-close and personal views of the athletes. This innovative route will see 10,500 athletes journeying from east to west through the very heart of Paris, passing by key landmarks and official Games venues.

The parade will cover a 6-kilometre stretch, culminating at the Trocadéro, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final performances will take place.

A sneak peek of what to expect tonight.

An Inclusive Spectacle for All

This ceremony aims to be the most inclusive in Olympic history. With eighty giant screens and strategically placed speakers, the magic of the event will resonate throughout Paris. Residents and visitors alike will be able to partake in the celebrations, making it a truly communal experience. Paris 2024’s Opening Ceremony will be the largest and most accessible in the history of the Games, welcoming spectators from Paris, its surrounding regions, and visitors from across France and around the globe.

Athletes at the Centre

The athletes will take centre stage in this ceremony designed for and by them. By leading with the parade of athletes, Paris 2024 breaks away from tradition, showcasing the competitors right from the start. The athletes will remain a focal point throughout the ceremony, highlighting Paris 2024’s commitment to creating a Games that truly honours and celebrates their contributions.

The Parade Route

The river parade will commence at the Austerlitz bridge near the Jardin des Plantes at 7:30 p.m. CET (10:30 a.m. in Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro, 6:30 p.m. in London, and 8:30 p.m. in Athens). The route will wind around the Île Saint Louis and the Île de la Cité, passing under numerous bridges and gateways. Along the way, athletes will catch glimpses of key Olympic venues, including Parc Urbain La Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides, and the Grand Palais. The parade will conclude at the Iéna bridge, leading to the grand finale at the Trocadéro.

Paris 2024 is poised to deliver an Opening Ceremony that will not only set a new benchmark for future Games but also create unforgettable memories for athletes and spectators alike. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an extraordinary celebration along the Seine.