PARIS — The 2024 Olympic Games opened on a warm summer evening, with a ceremony that combined grandeur and intimacy, as athletes from around the world gathered at the iconic Eiffel Tower. The event was a testament to the power of human connection and the unifying spirit of sport.

The ceremony, titled ‘Last Supper for the Ages,’ began with a procession of flags from 206 nations, each accompanied by its national anthem. The athletes, dressed in their finest attire, walked in as one, forming a sea of color that filled the Champ de Mars.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a parade of stars took place, featuring legendary athletes such as Usain Bolt and Simone Biles. They were joined by French actor and director Jean Reno, who led a cast of actors in a dramatic reading from the Book of Matthew.

The ceremony’s main attraction was the re-creation of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper,’ with 12 apostles dressed as Olympic athletes. The scene was set to music that echoed the rhythms of African and Caribbean beats, highlighting the diversity and richness of global cultures.

In a poignant moment, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of unity and the power of sport to bring people together.

The ceremony concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks and music, as the Eiffel Tower lit up in a blaze of colors. It was a fitting end to an evening that celebrated the beauty of human connection and the spirit of competition.

Keywords: Olympic Games, Opening Ceremony, Paris 2024, Last Supper for the Ages, Eiffel Tower